Leeds United Under-21s will look to make the most of the international break as they gear up for one final push for promotion. That’s according to Mateo Joseph, who bagged a brace on Sunday afternoon as the young Whites saw off Sunderland 3-1 at Elland Road.
That result was enough to see Leeds restore their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 table and with just three games left to play, they find themselves sitting firmly in the driving seat. United’s squad will break up this week as some players travel to represent their respective countries and Joseph is one due to leave West Yorkshire after receiving his first England U20s call-up last week.
However, the internationals within the U21s’ camp will return next week in time to face Stoke City on March 31 and they’ll be raring to go as they aim to take another huge step towards a return to the top flight.
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“We feel really well,” Joseph told LUTV after the game. “In the dressing room we’re happy, we have three finals to play now if we want to get promoted and we have to win them.
“We’re looking forward to them. Now in the international break rest, improve our weaknesses, let’s keep going.”
Joseph has been United’s standout performer in the U21s this season, with his second effort against the Black Cats taking his goal tally to 16 in all competitions. He has been rewarded with three Premier League appearances with the senior side as he continues his development, but his form has caught the eye of England U20s boss Ian Foster.
He will meet up with the Three Lions this week with games against Germany, USA and France to be played and he'll be full of confidence as he looks to prove himself on the international stage.
“Today I have to say thank you to Charlie (Allen) and every teammate because Charlie was giving passes all the time,” Joseph added. “I’m really happy so let’s keep adding numbers, improving and thank you to my teammates because without them I wouldn’t score.”
Asked if he kept a count of his goals, Joseph added: “If I’m honest, yeah. That’s the real answer. I keep an eye on the table, too. We have to fight for that, we have it in our hands and we have to keep going and work hard.”
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