Bennett eyes 'fantastic' chance
Tuesday, 28 February, 2012
Boro defender Joe Bennett is looking forward to the U21s at the Riverside.
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Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett is hoping to pull on the Three Lions at his home ground on Wednesday night, but admits there's a healthy competition for places in the England Under-21s squad.
The 21-year-old, who has three caps at this level since making his debut just over a year ago in Italy, admits that three points are the main aim but is excited about the opportunity to play for his country in front of the Middlesbrough fathful.
Bennett and club mate Jason Steele are the two Boro players in the squad to take on Belgium in a top-of-the-table Euro 2013 Qualifier.
“I’m really looking forward to the game,” said Bennett, “I’ve got lots of family and friends going along to the Riverside to watch and it would be great if I can get on at some stage.
Bennett added: "I don’t know yet whether I will be starting, on the bench or watching from the stands."
“We have some good left-backs, Danny Rose and Ryan Bennett, and they are both in the squad. But it would be fantastic to play in my home stadium for England."
A win for England will take them another step closer to the play-offs for Israel, and he believes that a big crowd will help them achieve the result they are aiming for.
"It would be great if there’s a big crowd in the Riverside. I’m sure there will be a fantastic atmosphere on the night.
“The manager [caretaker Brian Eastick] said at training yesterday that three points should be enough to get us through to the European Championship Finals so hopefully we can get that important victory."
Tickets for England's meeting with Belgium on Wednesday 29 February 2012 (6pm ko) are still on sale. Call 0844 499 1234, buy online at www.mfc.co.uk or in person at the Riverside ticket office.