Smalling and Bothroyd earn Capello call
Monday 15 November 2010By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:10
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling continues his meteoric rise to stardom after the former Under 18 England Schoolboy International earned a call into the England Senior Squad at the weekend in preparation to France in a friendly on Wednesday evening.
Three years’ ago Smalling was playing his football for Kent Schools’ FA and England Schoolboys while preparing to take his A levels at Chatham Grammar School. At the start of 2008, his impressive performances for the England Schools’ team attracted scouts from all over the country that eventually led to Gareth Southgate offering him a contract at Middlesbrough FC, which Chris nearly signed before making a last minute u-turn and decided to stay in London and agreed terms with Fulham FC.
Since then, the centre half’s career has developed at a rapid rate and has gone onto to sign for Sir Alex at Manchester United for £10 million and represent England at Under 21 level under the guidance of Stuart Pearce.
Although Chris’ selection was unexpected, it certainly was not the most surprising inclusion in the squad. Former England U15 and Islington & Camden Schoolboy Jay Bothroyd, who is currently performing well for Championship high flyers Cardiff City, also got the call, as England struggle to find firepower for their forward line. Jay has enjoyed a much travelled career which has seen the 28 year old turn out for Coventry City, Perugia, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic, Wolves and Stoke City. This all came after he was released by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal as a youth player.
