The Southampton midfielder knows the importance of winning that first battle on Thursday night against Luxembourg with Germany looming large on Sunday.

Michael O’Neill’s side open their campaign with a tough double header, made even more demanding by a horrific injury list which includes Shea’s brother Pierce.

An opening win in Group A would see the men in green go into the Germany showdown with momentum, belief and confidence.

With Germany favourites to top the standings, dropped points against Luxembourg or Slovakia could harm the charge towards a Play-Off spot.

After the first test at the Stade de Luxembourg, O’Neill’s men must face the four-times winners at the Rhein-Energie-Stadion in Cologne on Sunday.

Charles says his side’s winning mindset needs to come to the surface in Luxem

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