CONNOR WICKHAM: WE'VE LET ENGLAND DOWN

ABOVE: Connor Wickham is at a loss to explain what went wrong for England U21s

We have let the country down and we have let ourselves down

Connor Wickham

12th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

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CONNOR WICKHAM says England Under-21s have "let the country down".

Stuart Pearce's young Lions put in a dismal display at the European Championships, losing all three group games.
The inquest into England's failings is already well under-way and Sunderland striker Wickham, 20, has apologised for their embarrassing performances.
"Devastation," Wickham said of the mood after last night's 1-0 defeat to 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."
The Under-21s' best players - including the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck - were involved with the senior squad and were not available for Pearce.
But honest Wickham is not using that as an excuse, insisting England don't need to change their policy.
He said: "No, [they don't need to change the policy].
"I think the players that are in the dressing room have more than enough quality to go out and do the job.
"When it came down to it we just didn't step up to the mark."