Smalling sets sights on England squad

Chris Smalling has set his sights on making it into Fabio Capello’s new-look England squad if he can become a regular at Manchester United this season.

The Old Trafford new boy, who signed from Fulham in January but was loaned back to the London club until July, has looked impressive in pre-season for United and came on during Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Chelsea.

He is certain to be under the microscope in the next few months with England manager Capello desperately looking for young English talent to add to his squad and Smalling is relishing the challenge.

The centre-back has now joined England’s Under 21 squad to face Uzbekistan in a friendly at Ashton Gate tomorrow and is confident in his ability.

“If I can do as well as I have done in pre-season and get games for United then there’s definitely a chance in the longer term of getting in the England squad,” he said.

“First and foremost I need to concentrate on United but there are opportunities now for young players with England and it’s down to them to take their chance.

“Hopefully I’ve been doing that in pre-season and it can lead to many more games in the season and who knows what will happen after that.”

Smalling is confident he can force his way into United’s first-team squad and is setting his sights high.

“Last year I played 20-odd games for Fulham over several competitions and I would like to better that this year," he said.