We let everyone down, admits former Owls loanee Wickham

Connor Wickham admits England Under-21s have “let the country down” with their dismal display at the European Championship.
Connor WickhamConnor Wickham
Connor Wickham

The Young Lions came to Israel with much hope and expectation, having won an impressive nine successive matches without conceding a goal.

That run soon came to an abrupt end, though, with defeats to Italy, Norway and Israel sending Stuart Pearce’s side home without a point.

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The inquest into England’s failings is already well under way and Sunderland striker Wickham, who had a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season, has apologised for their inept performances.

“Devastation,” he said of the mood after their latest defeat against Israel. “I don’t think there are any players in there that are going to be proud of what we have put in. We have let the country down and we have let ourselves down in the tournament.

“I honestly couldn’t tell you what has gone wrong. I think coming into the tournament we had a lot of confidence.

“We knew we had strength in numbers but obviously when it came down to it we just weren’t good enough.”

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Stuart Pearce has been very open about his belief that the Under-21s would have fared better had the best players been made available.

Instead, eligible players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck were utilised by the senior squad for the friendlies with Ireland and Brazil.

Outgoing Football Association chairman David Bernstein defended that policy but admitted they may review it going forwards – something Wickham does not believe is necessary.

“No, they don’t need to change the policy,” he said. “I think the players that are in the dressing room have more than enough quality to go out and do the job.

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“I think when it came down to it, we just didn’t step up to the mark.”

Under-21s coach Pearce certainly agrees with Wickham on that point, lambasting his under-performing squad after their embarrassing 1-0 defeat to Israel.

The game may prove to be the former international full-back’s last at the helm, with his contract up at the end of the month.

Jordan Henderson, Jack Butland and Andre Wisdom have all expressed their desire for him to stay on, with Wickham, 20, the latest player to back Pearce.

“Of course I want him to stay,” he said. “He gave me my debut at Under-21 level a few years ago.

“Every trip I have come on he has treated me with respect and has encouraged me.”