Fabian Delph welcomes new faces among England ranks

Thursday 11 Jun 2015
Fabian Delph spoke to the media ahead of England's trip to Slovenia

Fabian Delph says the influx of younger players to the England squad has helped the team approach Euro 2016 qualifiers with added confidence.

The Three Lions are preparing for their final game of the season – on Sunday against Slovenia – bidding to secure their sixth successive victory and continue the 100 per cent start to the group.

Thirteen members of the squad Roy Hodgson is taking to Ljubljana are under the age of 26. 

Slovenia v England

Euro 2016 Qualifier
5pm BST, Sunday 14 June
Stadion Stozice, Ljubljana
Live on ITV 1

And with Delph, Ryan Bertrand and Nathaniel Clyne all making their full debuts in recent months, the Aston Villa man says it is a good time to be part of proceedings.

"There's a lot of young, talented players that are really quick on their feet," he said. 

"If we can attack with freedom I'm sure we'll look quite attractive and push on in games." 

Delph forced his way into the starting lineup for the crucial win against Switzerland in September and also reflected on how that experience has helped him feel at ease with international football. 

Tom Cleverley and Fabian Delph train ahead of England's trip to Slovenia

"I was pleased with that game, it was a big one for me," he added. 

"The boys have been brilliant with me, they've welcomed me into the squad. They've helped me out and had quite a few chats with me. 

"I've felt quite comfortable since that game and I've managed to stay in the squad and keep playing the games. 

"I really enjoy it. I'm always looking out for the next squads and hoping I'm in them and have the opportunity to represent my country and play with top-quality players.

"Hopefully I can stay in the squad." 

Fabian Delph and Joe Hart speak to the press

Delph also declared himself fit for Sunday's qualifier against Slovenia, for which he was a slight doubt after picking up a knock in the FA Cup final

And the 25-year-old says the entire squad feels sharp ahead of the trip to Stadion Stozice.

"A few of the boys had a week off and then it was straight back into it," he added. 

“We've trained well, the boys have looked really sharp and we're raring to go”

Fabian Delph 

"Fitness levels are still high and the boys look sharp in training so we're looking forward to the next game. 

"We're confident about the game against Slovenia. We've trained well, the boys have looked really sharp and we're raring to go." 

By FA Staff