Chambers: 'An honour no matter what the age group'

The Arsenal defender made his U21s debut in the win against Czech Republic on Friday after spending the previous five days with Gareth Southgate’s squad as they prepare for June's Euro Finals.

With the 20-year-old having already been capped three times at senior level, there had been question marks elsewhere over whether he would be available for Southgate to select.

But Chambers, who was also joined by fellow senior-capped defender John Stones in the U21s this week, was more than happy to be involved. 

"As I’ve always said, it’s an honour to play for your country, no matter what the age group," said Chambers, who has also featured at U17 and U19 level in recent years.

"When I was asked to play for the U21s, of course I was going to come and play.

"I was really looking forward to this trip and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far.

"There is a smooth pathway between the U21s and the seniors now and there was an opportunity for me to play for the U21s so I jumped at it because I love to play for my country. 

"Players should want to play for their country at any level and I’ve played for the senior team a few times, but that would never make me want to stop playing for the U21s. It’s an honour and you should never turn it down.

"The lads here are great and there is a brilliant atmosphere in the squad. It has been a really enjoyable trip so far."

The group first met up last Sunday before heading across to Olomouc in Czech Republic, where England will be based during this summer’s competition.

And the trip came to a successful end on Friday when a Tom Carroll goal gave England victory over their hosts in Prague, with Chambers providing the cross for his team-mate. 

Chambers has enjoyed training with England U21s in Czech Republic over the last week

"I enjoyed it," he admitted after the game.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game, playing at their home ground and in front of their home crowd. 

"But in the end it was a good result and a good performance.

"Everyone here gives 100 per cent in every game and there is good competition for places which will only make us stronger as a squad."

The squad returned to England on Saturday afternoon and are now based on Teesside ahead of Monday’s game with Germany in Middlesbrough.

Tickets for that match at the Riverside Stadium are still available, priced at just £1 for children/over 65s/students and £10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Office on 0844 499 1234 or online via www.mfc.co.uk