25 July 2005
Lee Holmes: Interview

Derby County's Lee Holmes talks to TheFA.com from inside the England base at the European U19 Championship.


England v Serbia & Montenegro
UEFA European U19 Championship, Semi-Final
Mourneview Park, Lurgan
26 July 2005, 16.30

England U19s midfielder Lee Holmes is one of a growing number of wingers coming through the ranks in the England youth system.

Holmes is in Belfast with the rest of the England squad as they prepare for their European U19 Championship semi-final against Serbia and Montenegro on Tuesday.

With five goals in his 12 appearances, Holmes is England's leading scorer this season despite operating in a left-wing role.

"I'd like to think of myself as a winger," Holmes told TheFA.com. "I don't class myself as a forward even though I do try to get a few goals.

"You've got your idols in football that you look up to when you're a kid - Overmars and Giggs were always top [and] I'd like to think of myself as a winger," Holmes said.

"There are more and more wingers," he continued. "You see Stewart Downing as a prime example. They are coming back but they're not really very common."

The 18-year-old also believes that the success of former Pride Park midfielder Tom Huddlestone is a great example for him to follow.

"Tom has done great for himself. What he did last year and the year before was tremendous and he did really well to get a move away," Holmes said.

"It [Derby] is a great place to be at - the staff and facilities are brilliant and hopefully it can go well this season."

For the best coverage of England's progress in Northern Ireland, including more exclusive interviews, stay on TheFA.com.