Reo-Coker keeps eyes on the prize

Aston Villa have made a bid for the West Ham midfielder, but the 23-year-old is trying to concentrate on playing for his country before settling worrying about anything else.

"If I said it was easy I'd be lying," he said. "It's not easy but at the end of the day it's about being professional and that's got to be put to the back of my mind, which it is. It's nothing to do with my personal career, it's all about the under-21s."

Coach Stuart Pearce has been dealt a number of selection problems preparing for the finals in Holland - starting with being unable to contact Gabriel Agbonlahor then the withdrawal of David Bentley due to "fatigue" - but the remaining 22 youngsters are raring to go.

"It has hurt us but it's not down to me to comment on that situation," admitted Reo-Coker.

"As a squad we have to get on with it and we're very excited about the tournament. We're more than equipped with the squad we have, every player here wants to be here and wants to win. That's all we care about."

England start their finals campaign on Monday night against the Czech Republic at the Gelredome in Arnhem, with Anton Ferdinand struggling with a groin complaint.

The tournament has been switched to odd years to fall between major senior championships, raising its profile. Pearce believes it gives his players the opportunity to put themselves in the limelight.

"This is a big tournament," said Pearce, whose side will face Italy and Serbia later in the week. "There is great expectation for the tournament. It will get greater and greater and be a good summer's football.

"Every time you take to the pitch you are putting yourself in the shop window and proving yourself to your team-mates. We're all in the same boat. From my point of view losing a job (he was sacked by Manchester City at the end of the season) was disappointing .I know from my own history it will make me stronger. It is experience telling me that and inner strength."