21 July 2005
Matt Fryatt Exclusive

Walsall's Matt Fryatt tells TheFA.com how coming from the lower leagues makes wearing the Three Lions even more special.


England v Norway
UEFA European U19 Championship
The Showgrounds, Newry
23 July 2005

Walsall striker Matt Fryatt says that playing in a lower division is no barrier to earning England recognition.

Having scored against France in the European U19 Championship opener, the League One forward now has his sights set on Norway on Saturday.

He said: "Walsall is a smaller club but if you have got the talent you get the opportunity.

"It’s a great honour coming away with the team and from a lesser club it’s even more of an achievement."

"I think it helps playing for a smaller club week in week out, you get to know the fans, the matchday goings on and you get used to more physical players and different styles of play. I am just lucky to have that opportunity.

"Everyone at Walsall gave me their blessing when I went away with the England squad.

"They will all be watching and hopefully I can do my best for them."

Martin Hunter’s side need to beat Norway to progress to the semi-finals. Stay with TheFA.com for all the latest news and views from Northern Ireland.