MX23RW : Monday, November 25 10:50:00| >> :120:5132:5132:

Leighton Baines happy with squad role

Baines happy with squad role
© PA Photos
Everton full-back Leighton Baines accepts that he is unlikely to start for England at Euro 2012.

Leighton Baines has insisted that he is just happy to be part of the England squad for Euro 2012.

The Everton full-back is not expected to feature too regularly at the tournament, with Ashley Cole widely tipped to keep hold of the left-back role for the Three Lions.

Despite admitting that he would like to be in the starting lineup, Baines has confessed that he is simply looking to make the most of his first major international competition.

"I don't really think that much about it. I just try and play as well as I can for my club and hopefully keep getting called up," the 27-year-old told the Liverpool Echo. "I knew where I stood beforehand, so it's nothing new really. It's about physically and mentally keeping yourself as fresh as possible so you are ready when called upon.

"It's disappointing not to get a run out, though it was understandable because the manager was probably wanting to play his back four together for what will be his back four in the tournament.

"It's my first tournament so I'm just buzzing to be going over there and it will be a fantastic experience for a lot of us who have never been before."

Baines has made eight appearances for England.

ID:29836: cacheID:29836:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2261:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Leighton Baines and Antonio Valencia
Read Next:
Baines flattered by United link
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!