Quansah: Young Lions' experience will help this summer

Written by:

John Edwards

The defender reflected on the importance of last summer's EURO U21 victory on episode two of Lions' Den

Jarell Quansah believes being part of England’s victorious UEFA European Under-21 Championship squad last summer will benefit him as he prepares for his first senior tournament this summer.

Quansah outlined the importance of the experience he has gained with age group teams on the second episode of Lions’ Den connected by EE, which is available to watch now on the official England app.

The 23-year-old was joined on set by Nico O’Reilly, where they discussed this summer's England call-ups, camp life and their go-to karaoke songs with host Andrew Mensah.

Quansah acknowledged that playing on the grandest stage is a new test but feels his time with the Young Lions will stand him in goodstead for the challenges ahead.

Jarrell Quansah plays a pass during an England training session in Miami

“It’s a different game,” he said about the step-up to the senior team.

“But there are so many things, even from under-15s, under-17s, there’s a lot you can take from every tournament you’ve been in.

“You can always take little things, but it’s a completely different level on the world stage.”

With 12 days to go until England’s tournament opener against Croatia, Quansah was speaking from a warm-up camp in Florida.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will get their first run out since the squad was named in a friendly against New Zealand on Saturday 6 June (4pm local/9pm BST kick-off) and for O’Reilly it’s an opportunity to lay down a marker for what lies ahead.

Nico O'Reilly hard at work in the gym at England's preparation camp

“You’ve got to take it as seriously as you can,” added the Manchester City defender.

“Try and take what you’d take into the actual games when it comes around.

“We just play our way, get our fitness as in tournament football, anything can happen.”

You can watch Lions’ Den connected by EE first across the official England app, where you will also find all of the exclusive short-form clips from the Lions' Den.

Not only that, the England app will bring you behind-the-scenes clips and long-form content throughout the Three Lions' time in North America, including inside access to training and arrivals in camp.

Make sure you download the app via Apple's App Store or Google Play, and register for free to watch the full Lions' Den series first.