Kyle Walker may have other chances to go to a major tournament with England, but the 21-year-old is desperate to play at Euro 2012.
We might even get a medal, says Spurs defender
Kyle Walker may have other chances to go to a major tournament with England, but the 21-year-old is desperate to play at Euro 2012.
The Tottenham defender was playing reserve-team football for Sheffield United four years ago but is now an England international and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year for this season.
With Walker boasting a new five-year contract at Spurs following his first season as a first-team regular, it has been a remarkable year - but the talented right-back is not finished yet.
The former Aston Villa loanee is eyeing a spot in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad for this summer's European Championship, set to be announced later this month.
Asked if this was no longer a priority given a spectacular season at club level, Walker said: "No chance. It does matter. I want to represent my country. It is the thing I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid.
"I used to play countless games on the PlayStation. I was always England. I wished I was there and, fingers crossed, I will be on that plane.
"I have an important game for Tottenham against Fulham first. Hopefully I can cap off a great season and then it will follow on into the summer."
Competition
Despite his impressive season, Walker must see off the challenge of Glen Johnson, the preferred choice of former boss Fabio Capello, as well as Manchester City's Micah Richards.
In addition, the Manchester United pair of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling offer important versatility as they can cover at right-back in addition to other positions.
And Walker acknowledges he has a fight on his hands, adding: "There is massive competition for the right-back slot.
"But I am still learning and still want to learn. I am trying to be the best I can be."
A further complication is that none of England's players can be sure of where they stand with new manager Hodgson as he is yet to pick a squad of his own.
"Everyone has a fair run-in," added Walker.
"Obviously, Roy Hodgson watches the Premier League and will be aware of what is going on. Everyone has a chance to be on that plane. We all need to prove to him that we can do the business at the Euros."
Enjoyable
But the Sheffield-born player remains hopeful of making the squad, not least because he enjoys life in the England camp.
"When we do meet up with England, the team morale is there," said Walker.
"It is a good laugh. It is enjoyable.
"You are putting on an England shirt and running out in front of all those fans worldwide. It is an honour.
"If we just go out and play the football that we play every week at our clubs, who knows what will happen?
"I didn't expect to be in this position but I have learned in football that anything can happen.
"It is only four years ago that I was playing in the reserves at Sheffield United.
"It has been an incredible four years. Hopefully I am on that plane, then I will be in the team singing the national anthem.
"Who knows what will happen from there? We might even get a medal."
