Dream call up to join England
Nov 17 2008 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail
WOLVES’ man of the moment Michael Mancienne admitted it was a “dream come true” being called up to join Fabio Capello’s full England squad ahead of this week’s friendly with Germany in Berlin.
The 20-year-old has been in and around the England set-up since the age of 15 but the defender, currently with Wolves on a three-month loan fom Chelsea is thrilled to get his debut call up for Capello’s fully-fledged squad.
Injuries to centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, combined with a string of fantastic performances from Mancienne, have earned him the chance to join the squad rather than England’s Under-21s, who play the Czech Republic at Bramall Lane on Wednesday. He admitted it had initially been a shock with rumours in the press before either he or his club had the call-up.
‘‘It’s a great honour. It’s every boy’s dream to represent their country at the highest level and is a massive achievement,’’ said Mancienne. I was expecting to join up with the Under-21s and my head was focused on that but this is obviously great news.
“It’s a great game to be picked for and just to be in and around the squad will be superb.
“It will help me that a few of the other Chelsea lads are in there but I’m just really looking forward to joining up.”
Mancienne is convinced it is his performances for Wolves and three wins in three starts which have helped him catch the eye.
“I feel I’ve slotted in well here and to be alongside people like Stears has really helped,” he said.
“The boys have been doing really well and it’s always good to come into a winning side.”
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was also delighted to hear of Mancienne’s call-up.
“The natural progression for players is to do well in the Under-21s and then move up,” he said.
“The England staff know all the centre-halves that are around and they’ll have watched Michael and must like what they see.
“It won’t have done any harm how he’s played for Wolves either.
“I was thrilled to get him and I’ve been thrilled with his performances. He’s a really good acquisition for us and a good guy.”
