England Under-21s defender Andre Wisdom wants to restore some pride - and boost Stuart Pearce's chances of remaining manager - by winning tonight's European Championship clash against hosts Israel.
The Young Lions head home after their final Group A match as defeats to Italy and Norway mean the knock-out stage is already beyond them.
Another loss would see England become just the second ever side to depart an Under-21 tournament without a point - a fate hard to fathom having headed to Israel on a run of nine successive wins without conceding.
'It is clearly disappointing,' Liverpool defender Wisdom said.
'Obviously losing the two games and going out of the tournament is disappointing.
'But we're a strong squad and the spirit is always going to be high and expectation of putting the England shirt on will remain.
'We are just looking forward to the next game and hopefully getting a result.
'It is always good to play for your country but what everyone wants to do, every player, wants to win.
'To go home with at least a victory would be good for the squad.'
Not only is national pride on the line but also possibly Pearce's job.
The former international full back took charge of the Under-21s in 2007, but his contract expires at the end of the month and there is no sign of a new deal.
Young Lions captain Jordan Henderson has backed Pearce to stay on, as has team-mate for both club and country, Wisdom.
'I speak on behalf of myself and all the other players, we love coming away with England and training and obviously gaining experience playing,' he said.
'All the experience he has a player and as a manager he passes on to us every day in training.
'All the other coaching staff do also so it would be great if he continues.'
Wisdom is set to start for the Young Lions tonight, with Pearce set to a name a starting line-up with the future in mind despite the uncertainty over his own job.
'I never like to give my team away but one thing I can tell you is that I will select a team with a view to the next campaign. That will be the fairest thing for me to say,' the Under-21s boss said.
'I have got to make sure I have 10 or 11 players in this group that can run in the next campaign and that tells you we have a very young squad here in the first place.'
'I think experience for those players will be vital in this tournament.
'Even though we have not been successful they will take that experience with them to the next campaign. You will see a few of those younger players playing.'
As well as Wisdom, Josh McEachran is likely to be given his first start of the tournament, while Under-21 mainstays Jason Steele and Tom Lees are also expected to get a game.
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