Hi Max, how are things? It was your first time with the U21s last month, how do you look back on that camp?
Thanks, yeah, I’m really good. It was my first U21s call-up and that was a big thing for me personally so to go and get two wins from the two games was a great start for us.
Tell us about THAT block in the later stages against Kosovo…people talk about the forward players, but at 1-0 for a defender to make a tackle like that, at that stage in the game, it’s as important as a second goal…
I know, it definitely felt like that to me. It was just instinct really, I knew I had to get something in the way of it. I know I came off with an injury afterwards, which kept me out of a few games for Norwich, but it was worth it because it was a great win for us and we needed that. If they’d have scored then to equalise, it would’ve been tough for us to go and win the game.
Looking back over the last year, it’s been quite a whirlwind for you. Getting into the Norwich team, winning promotion to the Premier League and also breaking onto the international scene with England U19s and then the U21s.
It’s gone so quickly, it’s been such a turnaround from jumping up through the age groups and then into the first team at Norwich, but I’ve relished it and been loved it. Hopefully I can just keep the progression going and playing and performing with my club. The target here with England is to keep pushing and hopefully reach the senior squad one day, but to do that I need to do well with the U21s and we’ve got some good games coming up.
And you’re now back in Milton Keynes with England, so you must be looking forward to that…has there been plenty of ticket requests?
Yeah, a LOT of ticket requests! I think there’s going to be a lot of people there, family, friends and stuff like that. I’ve never actually played at MK Dons before either, so to have all my family and friends there is going to be good. Because I play in Norwich, it’s not easy for everyone to see me play much, but this is going to be good. I can’t wait. I think Austria will be tough, but we’re a really good group too, so I think we can come into the game with confidence.
There’s been a few players from Milton Keynes in the England set-up over the last few years, Ben Chilwell, Dele…what’s in the water around there?
[Laughs] There’s been a few that have come through and are now playing in the Premier League as well. There’s obviously been a good talent pool and it’s great to see.
Read the full interview with Max in the match programme for Tuesday's game.
