Gray Confident Ahead Of U21 Euro Semi-Finals

- Leicester City's Demarai Gray says England can win the UEFA Euro U21 Championships this summer
- The 20-year winger scored a wonderful goal to help the young Lions defeat Poland 3-0 on Thursday
- England are in the semi-finals where they could face Spain or one of two other sides on Tuesday 
- Gray remains confident that Aidy Boothroyd's men can succeed in Poland over the next seven days

Leicester City's Demarai Gray was bullish about England’s chances at the UEFA Euro U21 Championships after scoring in a 3-0 triumph over Poland on Thursday.

Gray benefitted from an assist from City colleague Ben Chilwell to finish an excellent effort in the sixth minute before setting up Jacob Murphy to score the young Lions’ second. Late on, Lewis Baker converted from 12 yards after Jan Bednarek was dismissed for a challenge on Tammy Abraham to send Aidy Boothroyd’s side into the semi-finals as Group A winners.

At full-time in Kielce, Gray was unequivocal when quizzed by reporters on whether England can win the tournament this summer: “Why not? Everyone knows what depth we've got in the team and as a team we've shown what we are capable of tonight so if we can put that performance into the semi-finals, no matter who we get, we will cause teams problems.

“We've got to go out there with confidence and do what we do best.”

The 20-year-old was also thrilled with his own personal contribution and says he wants to continue in the same vein when England discover their final four opponents. The semi-final fixtures are scheduled to take place on Tuesday with Spain the only other side to have booked their place so far.

“Obviously that's what I want to do, score as much as I can and create goals,” Gray added.

“It meant a lot to me [to score] but most importantly we got the points and can progress now. Like every player, I want to play every game so my opportunity came today, I've had to be patient. Hopefully I've done enough to keep my place in the team.”