Carl Jenkinson has said that he believes the U21 European Championships is the perfect platform for the England Under-21s to "make a name" for themselves.

The Arsenal defender, who spent the season on loan at West Ham United, is in Olomouc in the Czech Republic ahead of the Young Lions' tournament opener against Portugal on Thursday.

When asked by reporters if the team have something to prove, Jenkinson said: "Of course we do, and there will be a lot of people watching this tournament. We are aware of the pressure and we are representing our country.

"The reputation of football players in England is high and rightly so because we have the best league in the world and there will be a lot of eyes on us. We have a chance to make a name for ourselves as a team and as individuals."

England will also face Sweden and Italy in the group phase.