Pride in the Three Lions

For me to be in this position it is truly a real honour. Not only is it the England team, but it's also a very good group of people, both players and staff.

The cameraderie you build up being in this environment for an intense period of time is unforgettable. I was in Holland two years ago, when we did so well, reaching the Semi-Final, and today brought some of those memories flooding back.

But the overiding feeling I have is one of luck.

To have been a player in this position, heading to a major championship with my country, is something that has not yet transpired - though I'm too old for Stuart Pearce's team, if Fabio ever needs a big striker to unsettle a defence with a lightening quick trot, he needs only to look in the Essex and Suffolk Border League and Boxted Lodgers.

For now, though, I'm here representing TheFA.com and, joking aside, it's as close as I'll ever get to playing for England.

This team is the best of the best in the country, at this age group. Between them they have more than 1150 Premier League appearances scoring over 80 goals. And there's even a hat-trick for England's senior team tucked in there for good measure.

But it's not only players who are top of the tree. The staff is made up of technical and medical professionals, many of whom come from Premier League clubs. They are all there to give England the best chance to winning this Championship.

Everyone knows what to do, and if it comes together we'll be in for an exciting couple of weeks. I can't wait.