The Chelsea defender, who has been with the Blues since Under-9 level, has endured a tough time this season, suffering two ankle injuries which kept him out of England’s autumnal matches against Slovenia and Hungary and then the whole of the Algarve Tournament.

Not playing for so long has been difficult for the 17-year-old but having made a successful return to the England team in the qualifiers in March, he is looking forward to playing in the European Championship and to what promises to be an exciting couple of weeks.

"It has been a frustrating time," Michael said. "I damaged one ankle and then came back only to do the other ankle in The FA Youth Cup so it has been a really hard season. Still, hopefully that’s all behind me now and I can look forward to the rest of the season.

"The three [qualifying] games were huge and now I can’t wait to play in the Finals. It will be tough though - the other sides in the group need to be respected because they have got to this stage of the competition by playing well and getting the results they need."

Michael made is debut in the Blues’ reserves side last season whilst still a schoolboy and in his current first season as a scholar was again fast-tracked into the reserves.

His commanding presence in the side was acknowledged by England U17 coach John Peacock when he made the Chelsea man captain for the Pepsi Tournament and for the Euro qualifiers last month.

"I really enjoying doing the job in the Pepsi Tournament and in the qualifiers and obviously we did pretty well.

"It is still a bit of a dream playing for England. I am really looking forward to playing in the championship in three such important matches."

Michael is in his third season as an England international but no matter how many times he gets called-up, he still gets a thrill out of representing his country.

"It is still a real buzz playing for England. It is just the best experience and you have to think of all the other people who would love to be in your place. It is a very special thing and a real honour."

Last season saw Michael win nine U17 caps playing in a year above the rest of his age group. Those caps included being involved in England’s successful European Championship qualifying group and Michael believes the experience of those games will be valuable this time around.

"It was great to be involved in the qualifiers last year. I’ve got that bit of experience which will be good and hopefully if I am involved I can make that count.

"We are really confident. We know we’ve got lots of good players and if we just play to the best of our ability we should be alright.

"This is what it’s all about for us," he continues. "We’ve done well in the games we’ve played this year but now we need to do the business at the Finals."

Michael Mancienne - England Factfile

Date of Birth: 08 January 1988
Place of Birth: London
Club: Chelsea FC
England U16 (2002/03): 4 caps, 0 goals
England U17 (2003/04): 9 caps, 0 goals
England U17 (2004/05): 6 caps, 0 goals

Michael Mancienne - Video Vault

28 March 2005  
Goal v. Northern Ireland