England U21s v Slovakia
International Under-21 Friendly
8pm, Tuesday 5 June, 2007
Carrow Road, Norwich City FC
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Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill is hoping he can end the season on a high with England when they travel to Holland this week for the UEFA U21 Championship.

Cahill, a former U19 and U20 international, earned his first call up to the Under-21s for the February friendly against Spain.

Despite not playing in that match in Coventry, he made his debut against Italy at Wembley a month later and is relishing the opportunity to play in this month's tournament and collect more honours with the Three Lions.

"Playing in the last game at Wembley was something to remember," he told TheFA.com. "It was a great achievement for me and hopefully I can kick on now and make a few more appearances.

"I didn't feature in the Spain game, which was a bit disappointing not to play a part as you always want to play, but not everyone can. Thankfully I got a game at Wembley.

He added: "It was a great occasion and from a neutral point of view it was a great game, too. Because of the occasion it was a little bit different for the lads but we all enjoyed it and we didn't lose the game, which was the important thing.

"When I've been involved with England before we've always stayed in England, there was no need to travel. Obviously this tournament doesn't come around that often, so it's nice to go away and play against the best teams in Europe.

"I've been involved with the U19s and U20s, but a lot of those were friendly games, so it's nice to play in a competitive tournament. To play in a tournament will be a good experience for me."

The Sheffield born 21-year-old was frustrated to miss the start of the season at Villa Park after picking up an injury in pre-season. However, when he returned to the side in November, Cahill went on to make 21 appearances for Martin O'Neill's side and he believes the experience has made him a better player.

After coming through the ranks at Villa, he has praise for the youth system at the club, which has seen a number of talented players come through to gain international recognition. Now Cahill wants to become a regular first-team player and see where it takes him from there.

"There's always a few Villa players in and around the England squad. For the tournament it's me and Ashley [Young], plus Peter Whittingham who moved to Cardiff this season," said Cahill.

"Last time we met up there was four, which is a good achievement for one club, There's a great youth set-up at Villa and it's shown in the players that have come through and played a part in the England Under-21s this season.

"I've been happy with my season, I think I've had a good year. It started off slowly as I got an injury early in the season and it set me back. I was playing most of the pre-season games and I was hoping to get a start when it kicked off for real, but it was a stumbling block, it frustrated me.

"I was feeling fit a fresh, but after the injury I've had to come back and, because the lads started so well, I had to fight for my place again. I haven't really got a problem with that, because if people come in and do a job then it's good for the team and it will obviously be hard to get back in.

He continued: "Thankfully I got my chance and I played 20-odd consecutive games, and I think my form was good. When you play regularly you learn so much more than when, as a youngster, you are in and out of the side.

"Playing against the best teams, like Chelseas and Liverpools of this world, it can only improve you as a player. The movement of their players, not just on the ball but off it, helps you learn not to switch off for a second, because if you do they'll be in.

"I'm far from the finished player, but I've learned an awful lot, I'm a better player now that I was a year ago, but it's important for me to play next year to keep improving my game.

He added: "In certain respects it wasn't a good year for Villa, but it was a good year for myself. So we're looking to improve on that next season, which I'm sure we will do, and I hope I can play a big part in that."