FUN AND GAMES FOR BEN BEFORE OPENING GAMBIT

Johnson is loving England strategy

- Simon Bird

CZECH REPUBLIC U21 V ENGLAND U21 5PM

WEST HAM defender Ben Johnson hopes Euro success will be child's play for the England Under-21s as they bond over chess and Guess Who?

Lee Carsley's side open their Group C campaign today against the Czech Republic, with games to come against Israel and holders Germany.

Johnson says the FA have created a club atmosphere to bond the team, with plenty of laughs when they are not training.

It mirrors what Gareth Southgate's staff provided during last year's World Cup, and aims to get the players out of their rooms and enjoying what could be a three-week-plus stay in Georgia.

Johnson says the Young Lions see themselves as one of the title favourites due to their excellent qualifying record. It is England's ninth finals tournament in a row but they have not won it since 1984.

Johnson said: "We have got all sorts here...a golf simulator, darts, chess, we've got pool, we've got Guess Who? everything, you name it.