Howes has watched from the bench as the Young Lions recorded a 3-0 victory over Malta and a 4-1 win over Turkey during their opening group matches at the UEFA European Championship, securing a place in the semi-finals with a match to spare.
Peacock’s side face Holland on Thursday in their final group match, and with Freddie Woodman expected to retain the keeper jersey, Howes says he still has an important role to play despite the lack of match action.
Speaking to TheFA.com at the team hotel in Malta, Howes said: “All the lads are excited for the Holland match and the semi-final. I’m loving the experience out here. The whole place, the hotel and its surroundings and the training pitches are first-class. We’ve really been welcomed by the locals.”
Holland v England
UEFA European U17 Championship
The Finals
10.15am, Thursday 15 May 2014
Hibernians Stadium, Malta
Live on Eurosport
The young Hammer continued: “I would have loved to start the two matches, but it’s not hard to keep myself motivated at all.
“People will think that it’s hard being number two goalkeeper, but I have a very important job. I have to keep working and pushing myself to the limits in training, but I have to keep Freddie on his toes as well and support him.”
And Howes was quick to praise his goalkeeping rival – although he warned he’s ready to take his shirt the opportunity arises.
Sam Howes in Malta
He said: “He’s a great goalkeeper and he’s proved that out here – keeping a clean sheet against Malta and saving a penalty against Turkey. But I need to keep myself going just in case I get the chance as if I do, I don’t want to let anyone down by not being ready.
“I’ve got to keep playing my normal game. I’ve been away a while now with the squad. I didn’t get a chance in Czech Republic, but if I do out here then I need to ensure that I take it well and give the manager something to think about.
“Being the No2 keeper you don’t get as many chances, but I have to take mine if I’m called upon and I will.”
The FA’s director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking is currently with the squad out in Malta, and West Ham fan Howes says the presence of the Hammers legend is inspiring him and his team-mates .
“Having Sir Trevor here, and someone who has achieved and experienced everything he has, is really good,” said Howes. “He’s a real West Ham legend, and I can speak to him about the club too, so it’s brilliant that he is out here.
“Having Sir Trevor here, and someone who has achieved and experienced everything he has, is really good”
Sam Howes
“Dan Ashworth [The FA’s director of elite development] is due to come out here, and Gareth Southgate [England Under-21 head coach] has already been out. It really shows where English football is going. Everyone is taking a keen interest in our development.
“We have a great squad and staff out here, and with the likes of them three coming out, it shows that we have all the support we could ask for – we just need to produce the goods on the pitch and give it everything to ensure we leave as winners.”
And should England go all the way at the Euros, it will not be the first bit of silverware for Howes this month. Prior to meeting up with the squad, he was awarded ‘Young Hammer of the Year’ at his club’s end of season award night.
Howes added: “It was a really proud moment for me. All the support from the staff at West Ham and England have really helped me improve this season and it was an honour to win that award.
“With me still at school doing my GCSEs, winning it over lads in the U18s and U21s is a really big achievement – and it would cap it off perfectly to leave Malta with a winner’s medal.”
England face Holland at Hibernians Stadium on Thursday live on Eurosport at 10am. Follow @FA on Twitter for updates.
