Ciaran Clark linked up with England yesterday for the European Under-19 Championships and revealed he would love to lead the Young Lions out in the Czech Republic.

Villa's Academy skipper captained England six times last season - including two of the three Elite Qualifying games in Belarus two months ago.

Now he would love to retain the armband for the Finals which begin against the Czech Republic on Monday before further group games against Italy and Greece.

Clark said: "Confidence is very high. We lost just one game last season and kept five or six clean-sheets. The trip to Belarus for the Elite Tournament capped it off perfectly. We had to grind it out in the last game but we did what we needed to do to qualify.

"That trip was really useful. It was very different to what we're used to. The opposition were bigger and stronger than anything we've come up against before."

Victories against Poland and Serbia added to a hard fought goalless draw with the hosts were enough to see England through to the finals.

Clark added: "The final game against Belarus was massive for them. It was a full house and was shown live on TV over there. They had to win to qualify, so they were up for it. It was a tough game and we had to grind it out but we did that to top the group.

"We were under the cosh a bit but we defended well and kept a clean-sheet. That's what the coaches wanted and it was enough to qualify for the finals.

"That game was probably a perfect preparation for the finals. We're going to the Czech Republic and playing them in the first game. It 's their patch and it should be another tough game.

"We're facing another three tough games. These teams are probably a bit better than the side we faced in May."

As for the captaincy, Clark would love to lead his country out in the Czech Republic.

He added: "It's a massive privilege and I'm always proud to captain the side. I've done it six times now and it's been a massive honour every time. It would be great to lead the team out in what is a major tournament."