De Gea on track with Spain

15/11/2011 12:08, Report by Adam Bostock

United goalkeeper David De Gea helped Spain’s next generation notch a fifth consecutive win in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers on Monday night.

The Reds’ number one kept a clean sheet as goals from Iker Muniain, Thiago Alcantara and Marc Bartra secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Switzerland – the same team De Gea and company defeated in July’s final.

“We were crowned European champions in the summer but the great thing is that good players are continuing to come through,” said Spain’s Under-21 coach Luis Milla.

“We have to continue along this path − the process of qualifying remains on track."

Two other young Reds, Will Keane and Robbie Brady, were also in action for their country’s Under-21 sides. Keane collected his second England cap at that level as a 78th-minute substitute, as Stuart Pearce’s side lost 2-1 by conceding an injury-time goal in Belgium. Liverpool pair Jordan Henderson and Martin Kelly had earlier combined to give the visitors a first-half lead, the latter heading in from his team-mate’s free-kick.

England remain top of qualifying Group 8 however, having won their first four fixtures in a row including last Thursday’s 5-0 thumping of Iceland when Keane made his debut.

The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, are third in Group 7 after United winger Brady scored a penalty and set up the other goal for Aidan White in their 2-0 home win over Liechtenstein.

source : Manutd

Jones relishing Spanish test

10/11/2011 15:30, Report by Gemma Thompson

"Psychologically, it would be massive for us to get a positive result. It would be a real boost for us all to go into the championships knowing we have beaten a really good team."
- Phil Jones

Phil Jones is hoping he can transfer his impressive form at club level to the international stage, should he feature in England's friendly with Spain on Saturday.

The talented defender, who has earned plaudits aplenty since joining the Reds in the summer, picked up his first international cap last month in England's 2-2 with Montenegro which sealed qualification for Euro 2012.

The 19-year-old has been tipped to start against the world champions at Wembley on Saturday and Jones admits a positive result against the Spaniards would be a big boost to the squad.

"Psychologically, it would be massive for us to get a positive result. It would be a real boost for us all to go into the championships knowing we have beaten a really good team," he told reporters at an England press conference.

"It's always nice to test yourself against the best. We know they are a good team, but we are a good team as well. There is a good mix of experience and youth players as well. Hopefully that will be enough for us to have a go on Saturday and give a good account of ourselves. I'm sure if we get in amongst them and play the way we know we can, we will have a good chance.

"I can't wait for the game," he added. "If I am asked to play it would be a great honour to represent my country against one of the best teams in the world.

"It's just a real honour to be in and around the national team. Hopefully my performances at club level can show that I am worthy of being here more regularly."

As for England's chances next summer, Jones added: "I don't see why we can't surprise a few people. We have a great squad, with a great mentality. I'm sure we can go there with a great chance of getting to the final stages, if not going all the way.

"We have got a lot of experience in the squad, as well as youth now. That combination will hopefully be enough to go to the tournament with a fantastic chance."

source :manutd