Wolves defender Stearman called up for England U21 squad
Jun 4 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Post
Richard Stearman believes his call-up to the England Under-21 squad can only benefit his game even if he was a late substitute following injuries to Stuart Pearce’s squad.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defender will not fly out to join the team’s Spanish training camp but will join up with the squad tomorrow upon their return to England and Monday’s international friendly with Azerbaijan at the MK Dons stadium.
The team then jet out to Malmo in Sweden for the European Under-21 Championship Finals – a tournament which they last reached in 2007 just losing out in the semi-finals in a penalty shoot-out with Holland.
Stearman and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Danny Rose were called up by Pearce following injuries to Newcastle United defender Stephen Taylor and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.
The Wolverhampton-born player said: “I got a call from the FA on Monday and then Stuart Pearce phoned me.
“Obviously I was delighted – it’s a case of better late than never!
“I’m not actually going to travel out to Spain for the training camp because ultimately they didn’t feel it would be worth it. I’m just getting ready for joining up with the squad on Friday ahead of the friendly on Monday.”
Stearman admits being part of the squad for such a crucial championships will be a massive boost for him.
“It will be an amazing experience to be out there involved with the best young players in Europe and a good education for me,” he said.
“I’m not sure there are many in the squad who weren’t in the Premier League last season so it’s a good challenge and one I’m looking forward to.
“It’s certainly a big positive to be in that sort of company and a great honour.”
The 23 year old centre-half added: “Spain and Germany are in our group and are two of the big footballing nations with some really good young players so it’s something for me to learn from and, if I am involved, enjoy the experience.”
The former Leicester City star believes the experience of the tournament can only benefit his game.
“Being out there involved in the training and possibly the games will certainly keep me fit and raring to go ahead of the return for pre-season,” he said.
