Manchester United: Red Devils Trio Set for England's Starting XI?
Manchester United's star trio of Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have named to the England squad by Fabio Capello ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers versus Bulgaria and Wales.
Cleverley, Jones and Smalling have taken advantage of their early season opportunity to feature in United's starting XI.
Cleverley earned his spot in Sir Alex Ferguson's first team after splendid displays versus FC Barcelona in the World Football Challenge and Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.
The former Wigan midfielder has been exceptional in United's midfield alongside Brazilian Anderson, tallying two assists in four matches for the Red Devils thus far in 2011-12.
Following injuries to United's two starting centre-backs, Jones was forced into Fergie's starting XI sooner than expected. Jones has been a rock at the back for United, proving why Manchester United were willing to splash over £15 million for the former Blackburn defender.
At only 19, Jones has a bright future with both United and England. He has been dubbed the next John Terry by many who foreshadow him as the future captain of the Three Lions.
Smalling made a name for himself after enjoying an absolutely brilliant debut season with Manchester United in 2010-11. Formerly of Fulham and Maidstone United, Smalling has been one of United's best players in the early stages of 2011-12 despite playing out-of-position at right-back.
It was Smalling's goal in front of over 77,000 at Wembley Stadium that started United's comeback against bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on 7 August 2011. Once down 2-0, the Red Devils fought back to win 3-2, securing their first piece of silverware of the season.
England captain John Terry is confident that United's young trio have what it takes to feature in England's starting XI when they face off versus Bulgaria and Wales in the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.
According to Mirror Football, Terry said:
"They have come into the set-up and felt very assured, and rightly so because they are huge talents. They have got an awful lot to give.
"You don't go into the Manchester United side if you are not ready, and they have showed some great individual performances.
"Clearly, they are ready. I don't think age comes into it at all; you need to be given opportunities in life."
