23 July 2005
Martin Cranie: Interview

Southampton's Martin Cranie talks to TheFA.com from inside the England base at the European U19 Championship.


England v Norway
UEFA European U19 Championship
The Showgrounds, Newry
23 July 2005, 19.00

England U19 skipper Martin Cranie is looking to emulate boyhood hero Tony Adams as he leads his side in the European U19 Championship.

The Southampton defender, who has captained the Three Lions to two draws in the competition so far, knows that only a win will do to reach the semi-finals.

Coach Martin Hunter handed Cranie the captaincy a year ago and he is relishing the role.

"It shows the coach has a bit more faith in me," he said. "He has put me as captain and I have accepted that and I think I have done pretty well.

"I use to watch Tony Adams when he was at Arsenal. I thought he was a great captain, he led the team well, lots of talking, and obviously I am playing the same position."

Although a firm admirer of the Highbury legend, Cranie is fast developing his own brand of leadership.

"I just go around and make sure everyone is up. They look at me as a bit of a leader, so if I can go on the pitch and help my boys through the game, talk to them, then hopefully I can be that.

"We have had a great season - we haven’t lost a game. All the lads are looking forward to it and hopefully we can get to the semi-final and beyond."

For the best coverage of the England U19s progress in Northern Ireland, including exclusive interviews from the England camp, stay logged-on to TheFA.com