Steven Taylor and James Milner have again been included in the England Under-21s squad for this month’s Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Portugal.
The young Lions have made a 100% start to their qualifying campaign and sit at the top of their Group 3 with 12 points from 4 games.
They are still to concede a goal having already scored 9 and are currently 3 points ahead of second placed Portugal. Young local lad, Grant Leadbitter of Sunderland is also included in the squad.
Stuart Pearce – has done very well as manager of the England Under-21 side
Stuart Pearce’s young side faces Bulgaria at the home of MK Dons on 16th November before traveling to second-placed Portugal four days later. Newcastle’s captain Skipper Taylor will be earning his 23rd cap while winger Milner will be extending his Under-21 appearance record with his 34th cap.
Under 21 manager Stuart Pearce has also included young Grant Leadbitter from Sunderland and admits he’s been impressed with the local youngster:
“Grant’s played in one or two positions for Sunderland this season and has done very well,” “I went into Sunderland a couple of weeks ago and watched them train, and also saw him play against Manchester City.â€
“He’s playing regularly and getting Premier League experience and I think he deserves his chance in the squad.”
“We’ve got some absentees with Mark Noble, Michael Johnson and Martin Cranie all out, but have been able to bring in some new players who have been looking good this season.â€
“It’s the first time back in for James Vaughan since the summer and he’s been very unlucky with injuries otherwise he would have been in the other squads this season.
“But it’s good to see him back in contention, especially after a goal for Everton on Saturday.”
It’s certainly good to see the young lads of England doing so well, and we hope they can easily reach the finals of this competition, which will take place in June of 2009 in Sweden. All players playing now are qualified to play through to the finals of the tournament. That will be great experience for youngsters Taylor, Milner and Leadbitter.
Comments very welcome.
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2 comments so far
indian toon
Nov 9, 2007 at 1:33 PM
Comment #1its always good to see more geordies in the english team… makes the internationals more interesting
Leo
Nov 9, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Comment #2for some reason grant leadbitter sounds like a dirty little mackam runt doesnt he… haha