England and Serbia eye Turkish test
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Article summary
Mo Marley is wary of a difficult group as she tries to get 2009 champions England back on the glory trail, while Serbia coach Milan Rastavac sees Group B as an "opportunity".
Article top media content
Article body
Since their maiden UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship win in 2009, when Mo Marley's side beat Sweden 2-0 in the final, England have suffered disappointment in the competition. France defeated them in the following year's showpiece, while they failed to qualify last summer. This time around, though, England advanced with a perfect record and an unbreached defence.
Despite that showing, with former winners Spain and Sweden awaiting in Group B, Marley knows success in Antalya will not come easily. "Our group is particularly strong, because three of the teams have actually won the European Championships in the past," she told UEFA.com. "I don't think you can take anything for granted, but I think that gives teams that little extra advantage."
Debutants Serbia complete the section – they qualified despite a 7-0 loss to Sweden in their opening preliminary round match. Coach Milan Rastavac is under no illusions, but feels his side can reap the rewards of a tough section. "This group is strong, but we think that is a great thing for us," he said. "It will be a nice opportunity to develop our players, our game, our style, and to showcase our country and the standard of our women's football."
Watch the full interviews in the video box above.