Manchester United centre back Chris Smalling has really stepped up this season. From being a somewhat bit part player, he is now the core of the Red Devils defence, and has played every game this season.
Despite this being the 25 year old’s first real consistent spell in the first team, he does have 165 appearances for Manchester United.
But his inconsistent first team spells and injuries, have kept him out of the England squad for a lot of his career. Chris Smalling only has 19 caps for his country.
Speaking to TheFA.com, Smalling had this to say about his England involvement:
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with some very good managers and I feel like over the last year I’ve been able to stay a lot more injury-free and get that consistent run,”
“My form was a bit up and down, so it was a case of showing that consistency which is something you really need at the top level.”
“I hope I can keep that going as every manager wants to have players they can rely on, and I want to be one of those for club and country.”
“I think it’s a case of us going to France with no fear.”
“A lot of these games in qualifying we have done that, we press teams and attack, and that’s something we really need to concentrate on and take into the tournament, and some of our high-profile friendlies, too.”
“We need to play on the front foot and I think that will be a factor in us being successful next summer.”
The defender will be hoping to feature against Lithuania in midweek and then again at the weekend, fro Manchester United, away to Everton.
