Weather Tonight: 5°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 9°c Cloudy

Sport

Noble pursuit of glory

29 Jun 2009


Mark Noble is dreaming of ending his England Under-21 career by defeating Germany and lifting the European Championship trophy in Malmo.

Noble, 22, and players such as James Milner will make their final appearance for the Under-21s when Stuart Pearce's youngsters face England's traditional rivals at Swedbank Stadion.

"It will be my last match for the Under-21s and what a way to go out," he said.

They have already gone one better than 2007 when they were knocked out at the semi-final stage - and now Noble is targeting a famous win.

Noble added: "I was so close two years ago but now we have one foot in the door and hopefully we can step in."

Noble has heard all about England glory against Germany after growing up at West Ham, with the statue of Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters outside Upton Park a constant reminder of 1966.

While international football can be seen as a hindrance at some clubs, its importance is ingrained at West Ham.

Noble said: "You hear the fans singing their cheeky songs. When teams come to us and say we haven't won anything, they sing back that they won the World Cup.

"It's just within the club. You get that as a whole when you come to West Ham. You take it on board."

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.

 

  • Andre Villas-Boas has an impossible job at Chelsea, says Porto president Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas' efforts to turn around Chelsea are being damaged by Jose Mourinho's regular contact with the players, it is claimed
  • Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day Chris Powell Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager Chris Powell is pleased the issue is now being...
  • FA long game will only make muddle worse Alf Ramsey Patrick Barclay: According to Graham Taylor, it can take a manager 18 months to adjust from club football to the different...
  • PFA urged John Terry to quit England captaincy for European Championships John Terry Exclusive: John Terry refused a plea from the Professional Footballers' Association to step down as England captain until...
  • Has Arsene Wenger really found a new batch of San Siro heroes? Cesc Fabregas The Champions League clash between Arsenal and AC Milan will determine whether critics are right to question the strength and ability of...
  • Carlos Tevez targets Manchester City return in two weeks Carlos Tevez Carlos Tevez was due to arrive in England this morning determined to win back his place in the Manchester City team and prepared to...
  • Rangers appoint administrators  Craig Whyte Rangers have today appointed administrators Duff and Phelps after a court battle with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs
  • Nicky Maynard itching to make his West Ham debut against Southampton Nicky Maynard Nicky Maynard is confident that he will be able to score if called upon to make his West Ham debut in the club's top-of-the-table showdown...
  • Ravi Bopara and Steven Finn turn tide to stop tour sliding into a complete disaster Ravi Bopara England have won a match and for their next trick they plan to win a series. Anything is possible now after their victory in the opening...
  • Portsmouth prepare for 10-point penalty Fratton Park Portsmouth are set to go into administration for the second time in two years leaving the club facing a 10-point penalty
  •