Sam McQueen is hoping his timely breakthrough with Southampton and England Under-21s can help him secure a place at this year’s Euro Finals.
The left-back was called into Aidy Boothroyd’s squad for the first time last week, ahead of the games with Germany and Denmark after catching the eye earlier this season for the Saints.
And with this double-header being the final games for Boothroyd and his squad before they head to Poland in July, McQueen has already set his sights on a place in the final 23.
“That’s the aim for me,” he admitted, ahead of Friday’s match with Germany in Wiesbaden.
“It’s a big opportunity and if there’s a possibility for me to go to the Euros it will be a nice little nugget to have.
“It’s been good timing for me and hopefully if I do well, get an opportunity to show what I can do and play, I can impress Aidy and the staff here enough to warrant a call up for the Euros.”
It didn’t take the 22-year-old long to settle into the Young Lions squad following his arrival at St. George’s Park on Monday.
With St. Mary’s team-mate Jack Stephens already in the group and former Saints defender Calum Chambers joining up for three days during his injury rehab, there were already a few familiar faces.
And McQueen says that whilst he’s enjoyed his time with the group so far, he’s now ready for action with two matches over the next four days.
“I’m looking forward to the games, that’s why I’m here,” he said
“Training’s been enjoyable and it’s been hard work at times, but it’s well organised and they’ve been good sessions so I’m trying to make the most of the chance.
“It’s been a big opportunity for me to be a part of this and to get the call-up to come and represent your country is huge for me.
“Seeing people like Prowsey [James Ward-Prowse] and Redders [Nathan Redmond] push on and get to where they want to be in the senior squad, means there’s nothing to say I can’t follow in their footsteps.
“Football’s a funny game and you’ve got to bide your time sometimes, you never know what’s around the corner but as long as you’re patient and working hard then you’ll have no regrets and that’s the main thing.
“That’s what I’ve done this season and fortunately it’s paid off for me and whilst it’s nice to have the recognition, it’s also encouraged me to keep going.”
