Chris Smalling, who admitted his international under-21 call-up was welcome but unexpected

By Andrew Gidley

Chris Smalling made his England under-21 debut in Holland on Tuesday night, capping a marvellous year for the former Maidstone United defender.

The 19-year-old Fulham centre-back got his chance as a second-half substitute for Everton’s Jack Rodwell in the 0-0 draw in Groningen, and enjoyed the experience.

He said: "I was one of three or four players sent on and eased myself into the game and got a few touches. I look upon the call-up as a great achievement but I wasn’t expecting it.

"I joined up with the squad at the team hotel in Luton on Sunday, flew out on Monday and then played the game. I got on well with Jack on the trip but I knew some of the other lads from the under-20 squad."

He added: "The manager Stuart Pearce said he had heard good things about me, and said well done to all the players after the game. He wished us good luck with our clubs and hoped to see us again next month."

It suggests Smalling, tipped as an emerging talent by one national newspaper at the weekend, could be included in Pearce’s plans for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers, but will also be eligible for the under-20 World Cup which takes place next month in Egypt.

Smalling said: "This time last year I was thinking about university courses, and it’s quite hard to believe how quickly things have happened."