Baines proud of England call up

March 23, 2009

Leighton Baines has been called up to the England squad for the friendlies against Slovakia on the 28th of March and Ukraine on the 1st of April.

The Everton left back is hoping to take advantage of the situation and impress Fabio Capello.

“This is the proudest moment of my career,” said Baines.

“I never really expected to get the call but it is a terrific opportunity and I will give it my best shot.”

Baines has been rewarded for his impressive form in Everton’s defence and joins his club team-mates Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka in the England set-up.

It is the first time since the 1980s that the Goodison Park outfit have had three players in the England squad.

“To get recognition at this level is something everyone aspires to, I am delighted and honoured to have been called up,” added Baines.

“Everything has happened so quickly. I was only thinking the other day that at Christmas I felt I would be lucky to get a run of two or three games in our team.

“But I am feeling a lot more confident now. Things had been stop-start since I came here but I always felt that if I could get a run of 12 or 15 games I would be much better.

“Thankfully that has happened and I am so pleased with the way things have gone recently.”

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