If and when Lee Bowyer takes the field to face Portugal at Villa Park tomorrow afternoon, it will be to take part in the biggest match of his career. The Leeds United midfielder is relishing his first experience of being in an England camp and could barely contain his excitement when he caught up with TheFA.com to discuss the prospect of his first Senior England cap.

"This will be the biggest game I have played in because I have now been given the chance to prove to everybody that I can play at this level," explains the free-scoring Londoner.

"I have played in some big Champions League games for my club but this is different - it's for your country so it's a bigger stage again.

"It's not just for me though, it's for my family and friends - the people that stood by me."

 

So, having started the season so impressively with two goals in his first four games for Leeds, did Lee think that he would get his first Senior call up when Sven named his squad on Monday?

"To be honest I thought that I had a chance of being in the squad," admits the 25 year old.

"I had heard that Mr Eriksson was there to see our game at Manchester City and Tord Grip has also watched me recently. I had done relatively well in those games so I thought I had a chance.

"I don't think it would ever have happened if it hadn't happened now."


Bad news for defenders everywhere, but encouraging news for Sven is that, despite his excellent start to the season - including a stunning chipped goal against West Brom - Lee believes that he has not yet reached peak performance.

"For me personally it has been a good start to the season with two goals in four games," he admits. "But I'm not properly match fit yet because we're only four of five games in. When we've played another four games or so then I'll be at the level of proper match fitness and hopefully things will get even better then."

Having been with the squad for two full days now, how is Lee finding the experience?

"It's been good and all the lads and staff have helped me to settle in," he explains.

"I was obviously a bit nervous but just playing with these quality players is really good - I'm delighted to be here.

 "Sven has welcomed us. He just said 'try your best, you're a good player and you'll be judged on your football' which is nice to know."

Lee's appetite for his football has not waned once during the last couple of years so it's no surprise to hear that an enthusiasm for the game has always been a quality he has admired in others.

"When I was really little Billy Bonds was someone that I always admired because of his attitude and the way he approached the game," says the young man who grew up as a West Ham fan.

"Then, when I got a little bit older, Bryan Robson was someone I looked up to because of his ability to arrive in the box at just the right time to score goals. He was also a general who would take command and control things."

So, where does Lee see his own best position?

"Playing in the middle is my favourite position but because I've been playing on the right for Leeds for so long, I have adapted to that position really well.

"Since Terry Venables has come in at Leeds he has put me in the middle in some games and I have enjoyed it there but I can also play on the left hand side too. I played there for Leeds when Harry Kewell was out for a long time and I still scored goals from there.

"My left foot's not bad so really I can play anywhere across the middle - It doesn't really matter to me."

You get the distinct impression that Lee would play anywhere tomorrow if it meant getting that precious first England cap.

"It's going to be good and, if I get the chance, hopefully I'll play well," he beams in anticipation.

"Hopefully it's the start of a future."

 

Lee Bowyer was talking to Daniel Freedman

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