England Under-19 coach Brian Eastick has been speaking about the physical challenge facing James Tomkins and Freddie Sears before July's European U19 Championship.
The West Ham United duo are key men for the Young Lions who are one of eight nations hoping to be crowned continental champions when the finals are played between 14 and 26 July in the Czech Republic. Although England know they will play the hosts, Italy and Greece in their group matches - with two teams from that section progressing to the semi-finals - it is not known when and where they will be playing. What is certain though is that the youngsters will have their fitness tested.
"Most of the players will only have been back in pre-season training with their clubs for a few days by then," Eastick told theFA.com. "So the players need to be professional and conscientious of that and make sure that they are in a good condition for the tournament. "If we aren't in the right physical condition, then it will be even harder work for us in the competition."
The 19-year-old Tomkins and 18-year-old Sears are enjoying a well-earned break from the action after helping England to qualify at the end of last month. While the finals will require much of them, there is no doubt that both youngsters - and possibly Jordan Spence and Junior Stanislas - will gain wider knowledge if selected in the final 18-man squad. It will be a terrific challenge for the lads and a great experience," added Eastick. "I'm sure Fabio and all of the previous national coaches will agree that our players need more 'tournament experience'".