Aidy Boothroyd urges England U21s to book finals place
Tuesday 4 October 2016 13:44, UK
England Under-21 interim manager Aidy Boothroyd insists he has it easy as he plots the final step of the road to Poland.
The former Watford and Northampton boss takes control for the Young Lions' trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday knowing a win would book their place at next year's European Championship in Poland.
He has stepped in for Gareth Southgate, who is in charge of the senior side following Sam Allardyce's exit last week, after the Daily Telegraph's investigation into corruption in football.
Boothroyd will also manage the team for the home game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday with England top of Group Nine, two points clear of Switzerland with a game in hand.
"It's really easy for me," he said. "They are good players who have worked hard. We have got into a fantastic position and now we have got to make sure that we finish the job, stay stable and get over the line. I know a lot of the players, so that makes it easier.
"I don't think anyone could have seen such a scenario and it has been our job to step up to the roles that we have been given. That is what we are all working hard to do."
Wolves defender Dominic Iorfa and Southampton's Matt Targett will stay with their clubs for treatment and will not be involved on Thursday, but they may return for the Bosnia game - England's final group fixture - at Walsall.
Derby's Will Hughes has a hamstring problem and Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will miss out with a thigh injury.
