A day in the life...
Friday, 03 September, 2010
Uncle Jonjo has a Thursday to remember.
Nicholas Veevers
Watch video highlights of the game now by clicking here.
Thursday proved quite a day in the life of England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.
Not only did the Liverpool man lead out the Young Lions and help inspire them to victory over Slovakia with a virtuoso performance, capped off with a fine free-kick but he also became an uncle for the first time.
And after finding out about the birth of his sister’s daughter, Lily, prior to the game, it was a fitting performance to round the day off.
“Words can’t describe it today. We did really well and my sister has just had a baby as well, so this just topped it off,” he explained. “It’s the first time I’ve been an uncle, so I can’t wait to go home now and see the baby.
“It’s been a great day for my family and to lead the team out as captain, it’s a big day for me.”
Whilst Shelvey caught the eye in particular with his control of the ball and willingness to make things happen all over the park, he wasn’t alone as England put in a competent show for the crowd in Crewe.
“It was a great performance all the way through, from the goalkeeper to the centre forward and to play for your country in a performance like that is good,” he added.
“Everyone has got on well since we met up. The younger lads have obviously got that winning mentality from the summer and the lads my age have got it as well. There are some good players in this squad.
“We could have scored more too. I missed a few chances myself, but I thought we opened them up quite well and our defensive shape was superb so it was a good game for the crowd to watch.”
Having previously represented England at U16 and U17 level before tonight, Shelvey is aiming to continue his international education with Noel Blake’s team and even beyond that should the opportunity arrive.
“It’s been proved with Jack Wilshere, that if you’re good enough you can go into the Under-21s and seniors,” he said.
“And that’s where I’m looking to go, to keep pushing on.”