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On a challenging evening in Ludwigslust, Germany, Great Britain finished on 33 points behind winners Denmark on 51.

Track conditions made it difficult for all the teams but Allen believes mental strength pulled his team through.

He said: “The Danes were very good, we knew the battle would be with the Czechs to get the second qualifying spot.

“The weather was bad on and off throughout the event and the track was difficult. The difference between us and the Czechs was our attitude when the track got bad.

“As the meeting went on the track got worse but our boys remained more positive about it.

“Whereas they wanted to cancel the meeting, we wanted to carry on with it. That desire to win was the difference.

“There was a good mentality from our boys. It was a tough track but I don’t believe it should have been called off. The referee made the right decision and we were happy with it.

“Several times during the meeting some of the boys had remarked they had never seen a track like it. It’s good because they have experienced it now.

“They will have learnt something and next time they’ll know how to handle it.

Images courtesy of Steve Hone Photography

Allen had praise for Captain Leon Flint in his first meeting back since a shoulder injury.

“Leon has taken his rehab seriously over the past couple of weeks. He made sure he did everything he could to be available for this event. We really appreciated that.”

He added: “He was in pain with his shoulder. On a normal track in normal conditions, he probably wouldn’t have any pain.

“He had to dig deep on Saturday. The track was really rough but he did well.

“At one point we were going to let him miss a ride. But Leon insisted that he wanted to go back out and make sure we got through.”

Sam Hagon was drafted into the team at late notice for the injured Jordan Jenkins.

Allen concluded: “We have a new era coming through now. We also have to say well done to Sam (Hagon) for a very late call-up to replace Jordan (Jenkins).

“Sam was excellent as well and I couldn’t fault anyone. Dan (Thompson) and Jake (Mulford) also did their bit and Drew (Kemp) top scored for GB on his call up back to the team. They all got stuck in and got the job done. Now the same squad will go to Macon, France for the Final in a couple of weeks.

“We’ve made the Final again and go in search of a medal. These are things we weren’t doing a decade ago but now it’s a regular feature and we continue to progress.”

RESULT:
Denmark 51
Great Britain 33
Czech Republic 29
Germany 7

Leon Flint 8
Dan Thompson 8
Drew Kemp 9
Sam Hagon 6
Jake Mulford 2