By Jake Maddaford

Wales youth internationals Mackenzie Bradbury and Ollie Bostock acknowledge their side’s game against Austria on Thursday is crucial if Wales are to qualify from group B in the U17 European Championship.

The two players – who play for Wolves and West Brom, respectively – know there is much they can improve on from their 2-0 defeat against Denmark in Wales’ opening match of the tournament in Cyprus.

“I feel good, I’m ready.” Bradbury confidently stated before the clash against the Austrians at Larnaca’s Ammochostos Epistrofi Stadium

“There’s a good vibe around the group at the moment. We hope we can bounce back from the loss against Denmark.”

“I don’t think we showed who we are as a team in the first game. I feel like the boys are ready to prove a point.”

Wales' U17 side will play their second game at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship tomorrow, as they take on Austria ⚽️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/KDXZ72YCcU

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) May 22, 2024

Bradbury, 16, played 78 minutes in midfield last time out and he is aware of what he can do to improve on his own performance.

“I think I can try to get on the ball more, I didn’t get on it as much as I would have liked to in the first half,” he added.

“I think if I can get on the ball, I can help the team going forward and be a much bigger threat.”

Striker Bostock is also hopeful that his side can get their first win of the tournament, and is clear on what they can improve upon.

“Obviously, there are a lot of tactical things that we can do differently,” he said.

“I think if we can play our way, get the ball on the deck, control the game a bit better, then we will have a very good chance against Austria.”

Wales youth
MACKENZIE BRADBURY – Wolves U21 pre seasonhttps://t.co/1BrqD4URv1

Playing up the age group

— dragonsoccer.co.uk – Wales National Football Team (@dragonsoccernr) July 22, 2023

Bostock has come off a successful season of development for himself, where he has started to represent West Brom’s Under 21’s regularly, despite only being 17.

“I think I’ve developed a lot this season,” he added.

“When you go into the higher age groups, you need to learn about the out of possession side of the game, it’s a lot more important than you think when you’re younger.”

“Next season, hopefully, I can continue to develop and get as close to the first team as possible and get as many minutes as I can.”

Both players will be crucial if Wales are to secure a much needed win on Thursday.

Pleased to announce that Wales U17 captain Ollie Bostock has signed his first professional contract with @WBA ✍️

Ollie is having a great season, featuring regularly in the PL2 and captaining his country.

One to watch for sure ⭐️ #WBA #WalesU17 @WestBromNews… pic.twitter.com/4Uz0izkf0n

— Ned Ozkasim (@nedoz9) March 19, 2024