York City teenager Russ Howarth could carry the hopes of the nation in his hands tonight as England Under-18s take on Poland at Tottenham's White Hart Lane (kick-off 8pm)

The game promises to be the biggest in Howarth's burgeoning international career a with the Poles barring England's path to this summer's prestigious European Under-18 Championships in Finland.

Howarth, who this week was training with his international team mates at Arsenal's new London Colney training complex, admitted it was vital England avoided defeat ahead of the return leg in Poland on April 26.

And with away goals counting, England's best chance of progressing could depend on Howarth keeping a clean sheet.

"We need to get a good result because we wouldn't fancy going to Poland 1-0 down," he explained.

"To take a three or four goal lead would be a dream, but realistically we need at least a clean sheet then 2-0 in our favour."

Howarth, 18, is by no means certain of starting tonight's first leg qualifier, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

But after sitting on the bench for England's last friendly against Holland earlier this month, Howarth is hoping England coach Martin Hunter will continue his policy of rotating his young shot-stoppers.

Chelsea's Rhys Evans was handed the number one jersey for the 1-1 draw with the Dutch while Howarth was in pole position for the 3-2 victory over Belgium at the end of last year.

Howarth admits he is on tenterhooks. "I was sub last time out so hopefully I might get a game now," he said.

"I'd like to think its my turn to play, but it is impossible to tell. You don't find out until Thursday morning."

Howarth described tonight's encounter as a "massive game" for England and himself.

"It will probably be the biggest game I have played in," enthused the Riccall-based teenager.

"Things don't get much bigger than your debut but internationally then this has got to be it.

"I've never played in a championship or anything like it so this game really means something."

Howarth admits he knows little about the Poles, who could feature Preston North End striker Pawel Abbott in their ranks.

Abbott is a former York schoolboy who was recently on trial at Middlesbrough.

"Apparently they are a big, physical team who are good at set-pieces," revealed Howarth.

"They have got this far so they have got to be half-decent.

"I only know about Abbot from what I have read in the papers but he will probably be in the squad, but hopefully he'll be on the losing side."

Howarth reckoned the chance to play at White Hart Lane was an added incentive.

"It is a massive stadium and hopefully it will be a big crowd as well.

"It's central London so hopefully people will come out in force and get behind the team."

England have an impressive track record against Poland at Under-18 level, having won seven, drawn three and lost just two of their 12 encounters.

The last time the two team met was during the 1992 European Championship finals, when England ran out 6-1 winners.

England's hopes have been blighted by the loss of record-breaking West Ham striker Jermain Defoe, currently on loan at Bournemouth where he bagged ten goals in ten games, to suspension.

England Under-18 squad: Rhys Evans (Chelsea), Russell Howarth (York City), Neil Jenkins (Wimbledon), Frazer Richardson (Leeds Utd) Peter Clarke (Everton), Jordan Stewart (Leicester City), Matthew Hamshaw (Sheff Wed), Johnnie Jackson (Tottenham), Leon Knight (Chelsea), Jamie McMaster (Leeds Utd), Jermaine Pennant (Arsenal), Rohan Ricketts (Arsenal), Kevin Nolan (Bolton Wanderers), Jay Bothroyd (Coventry City), James Davis (Manchester Utd), Rory Fallon (Barnsley) Marc Richards (Blackburn), Jolean Lescott (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ben Clark (Sunderland), Philip Jagielka (Sheffield Utd), Jermaine Jenas (Nottingham Forest).

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, March 22, 2001