James Tomkins said England are determined to get back to winning ways against Italy tonight at the European Under-19 Championship.
The young West Ham United defender said the 2-0 defeat at the hands of the host nation Czech Republic earlier in the week had only served to add more incentive to the Young Lions as they prepare for their second of three group games. "It was disappointing for us on Monday, losing like that," said Tomkins - who played the whole 90 minutes alongside club team-mate Freddie Sears.
"But that match has gone now and we are just focusing on trying to beat Italy. We know we have to win it, so that it what we will be going all out to do."
Tomkins said the Czech team were perhaps a bit more stronger physically and were a littler older than some of the England players. That said, nothing should be taken away from the victors and he believed there were positives to learn for England.
"Because of a few injuries, we have had to field some of the younger lads who have not had much experience and that might have told. But that's not an excuse, we will just learn from both the positives we had, especially in the first half, where we looked solid and had a few chances ourselves as well as the mistakes we made and put that into good force against Italy in our next match."
He added: "Italy will be another tough one, but we just know we have to win it and that's all we are thinking about." Tomkins said he was enjoying the responsibility of being vice-captain in the side and that he and Freddie were benefiting from the football they are getting under their belts before the new domestic season begins.
"It was good to be chosen for vice-captain, but I am just doing my bit like all the others, in that anything I do, will be to help the team win. Myself and Freddie are enjoying the football and I am sure this will only help to make us sharp and ready for the new season with West Ham." England conclusde their Group B campaign against Greece on Sunday.