Smalling For England Start

Chris Smalling represented England U-21 over the summer, alongside United team mates Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.

All of these have been called up to the senior team for this weekend’s game against Bulgaria, although Welbeck was forced to pull out after picking up an injury against Arsenal.

Smalling has played at right back for United all season and has been very impressive, even though his natural position is more central.

England manager, Fabio Capello, has today sung the praises of our youngster, suggesting he could be in line for a starting position, ahead of Micah Richards.

“He surprised me when he played at Wembley in the Community Shield against Manchester City,” said Capello. “He played well. In fact, the four games that he’s played at right-back, he’s played really well. I always saw him play in central defence before. He is playing with confidence. He has improved and improved.”