BATTLING BRITS BAG BRONZE

Images courtesy of Steve Hone Photography

The national side picked up a Bronze medal on 19 points behind winners Poland on 45 and Denmark 44, Sweden were fourth on 12 in Grudziadz on Saturday night.

Leon Flint led the scorers for GB with 10, Will Cairns and Cooper Rushen picked up three each, Dan Thompson two and Luke Harrison one.

Vatcher said: “We always aim for a medal in any event so it’s job done in a way.

“But we obviously wanted to be in the mix and challenge the Poles and Danes more than what we did in the end.

“That’s disappointing and all the boys feel that way. We have a very young and inexperienced squad right now at this level.

“We have to allow for that. But all the boys want to win. It was a really tough night.

“The Poles and the Danes both have sides full of Ekstraliga riders and they were super-fast all night.

“However Leon was excellent throughout, he’s been a terrific leader and he did his job.

“However the other lads found the going a bit too much and we just didn’t have the strength in depth to compete.

“There are, of course, positives. This is a great experience for all the boys. They will improve and gain so much for this meeting.

“All of this side have made massive improvements in their league and individual form in 2026. Leon has been sensational in the UK and Poland and finished third in the British Final.

“Cooper finished fourth at the National Speedway Stadium while Will has done so well to reach SGP and with his Euro Under-19 qualifier.

“Dan has been a great scorer in the UK, as has Luke. So we know they have the ability. We need to be patient with them and I know they will come good at the highest level.”