Jack says squad spirit is amongst the best he's known.

By Nicholas Veevers

England Under-21 midfielder Jack Rodwell is preparing to experience the European Under-21 Championship Finals for the second time in his career and admits he couldn’t feel more at home.

The Everton ace was part of Stuart Pearce’s squad in Sweden two years ago which reached the Final and he’s now going back to Scandinavia for this year’s Finals in Denmark so is one of the more experienced members of the group.

And he feels that the spirit in the squad this year is one of the best he’s known with a number of the members having all come through the England ranks together since their mid-teens.

“It’s not a difficult squad for people to come and settle into,” he admitted.

“A lot of the players I’ve known since I was in the U16s. I remember playing with the likes of Henri Lansbury, Nathan Delfouneso, Danny Rose, Jason Steele and Danny Welbeck.

“There is a good team spirit in the squad though, as we’ve been bonding for a few years now and any of the newer players are always welcomed into the team when we all get together before the games.”

Rodwell has not only been a regular for England over the years, but he’s now a firmly established member of the squad at Goodison Park with over 70 Premier League appearances under his belt.

At 20, he will still be available for the Under-21s’ next Euro campaign too and representing England is something that he feels can only help him develop further and something he’s keen to do.

"International football gives you a whole array of experiences, whichever group you are with,” he added.

"The set-up is generally the same from team to team, so there’s nothing really different depending which squad you’re in.

“I also think it’s important that rather than players turning up to squads and not playing, it's better if they actually play games.

“So if they're in the Seniors or Under-21s and not playing, it is better for them to be in their age group and playing and getting that experience if they’re still eligible.”

The Under-21s get their Euro campaign underway on Sunday, when they face Spain (KO 7.45pm BST).