Alfie Mawson reveals half-time row helped England U21s turn things around against Slovakia
Tuesday 20 June 2017 09:34, UK
England U21 defender Alfie Mawson has revealed a dressing-room inquest helped salvage their Euro 2017 hopes.
The Swansea centre-back scored his first goal for the Young Lions as England came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 on Monday.
Aidy Boothroyd's side were staring at an early exit after trailing to Martin Chrien's opener, but Mawson and Nathan Redmond scored inside 11 second-half minutes to win it.
England now sit top of Group A - after hosts Poland drew 2-2 with Sweden - ahead of Thursday's final game against Poland in Kielce.
And Mawson admitted an angry and passionate half-time team talk inspired their recovery.
"It got a little bit heated, really. A lot of players were frustrated," Mawson said. "I was so frustrated about the goal. But Aidy (Boothroyd) was calm and calmed everyone down.
"We said we needed to man up and do the right thing. Credit to us and we did what we needed to do. We don't take it in a negative way.
"We are all men about it. We could have easily crumbled at 1-0 down but we stood up and passed it with flying colours.
"At 1-0 we just had to stick to the game plan. It was a sloppy goal. We were annoyed. I was so annoyed.
"We have worked hard on set pieces and winning the first ball and I wasn't switched on. I want to defend more than they want to score.
"We are relieved. It is a night I won't forget in a long time. The first goal for my country? Brilliant! It's come a bit late but it has come. It's a great feeling."
