Source: Team_Talk
Smalling: U21s in promising position
Chris Smalling feels England Under-21s have given themselves a solid base from which they can progress to next summer's European Championships.[LNB] England will be looking to overcome Romania at the Municipal Stadium in Botosani on Tuesday.[LNB]On Sunday, Stuart Pearce saw his travelling squad reduced to 19 players after winger Marc Albrighton returned to Aston Villa for treatment on a minor groin complaint, while Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere had joined up with the senior squad ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley.[LNB]Manchester United centre-back Smalling scored his first goal for the Young Lions, which secured a slender 2-1 lead to defend from the first leg at a capacity Carrow Road on Friday night.[LNB]The 20-year-old believes Pearce's youngsters have what it takes to get another positive result against a well-organised Romania side, who had topped their qualifying group.[LNB]"We are only halfway through what is hopefully going to be that road to Denmark," Smalling said.[LNB]"They haven't conceded many goals lately, but we haven't either.[LNB]"I have played alongside Micah (Richards) for a few of the games and Jonah [Phil Jones] has come in and done really well.[LNB]"That was the first time we have conceded a goal since we have been playing together, and it was a bit fortunate too.[LNB]"But hopefully we can get that solid base going again and keep a clean sheet in Romania."[LNB]Smalling continued: "In the last four or five games the team has really come together and the manager has stressed that.[LNB]"We have bonded well and stayed consistent.[LNB]"Hopefully that will pull us together as we're all striving for that end goal.[LNB]"A lot of us are trying to progress into our clubs, but playing in a pressure game like these is definitely going to stand us in good stead and hopefully we can play in that tournament in the summer, because that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a lot of us young lads."[LNB]Smalling has certainly come a long way in a short time, having been scouted from non-league Maidstone by Fulham just two years ago before then landing a dream £10million move to Old Trafford.[LNB]He moved north during the summer and played in the Community Shield at Wembley as well as the Champions League match against Rangers.[LNB]The 20-year-old feels there is no better place to be as he learns from the likes of England senior captain Rio Ferdinand.[LNB]"The stature of the guy is something to look up to and he has been a real joy to be alongside," Smalling said.[LNB]"Rio has built up that presence over the years. He is just very commanding.[LNB]"On the ball, he just gives you that composure.[LNB]"Whether he puts on that captain's armband or it is just in training, he is leading the team.[LNB]"I have had to pick up along the same way, because I am the eyes of the central midfielders and that is something I have been working on, and he has been helping me.[LNB]"Rio is great to play with, so is [Nemanja] Vidic, so I cannot be in a better atmosphere to be learning my trade."
