England Supporters Club

Fully fit James Wilson relishing maiden U21s call-up

Posted by Team England at 15:22 on Wednesday 26 August 2015

Staying injury-free is James Wilson’s main aim as he prepares for his maiden England Under-21s meet-up.

The Manchester United forward was included in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for the first time, for next month’s friendly against USA U23s in Preston and the opening Euro 2017 qualifier in Norway.

The 19-year-old played 17 times for the Red Devils last season and earned four England Under-20 caps, but his progress was hampered by a hamstring problem.

He was part of the United squad that travelled to America for a pre-season tour and a fully fit Wilson hopes longer hours spent in the gym will help him get more minutes on the pitch at both club and international level.

"Staying fit has always been a big thing for me but this season I’m feeling stronger and fitter and I’m in the gym a lot more," said Wilson, who was speaking at a Together for England roadshow in Moss Side.

"If I can stay fitter for longer then I can make the most of any opportunity that does come my way, with United and England."

He continued: "I had a very brief chat with Gareth when I was in the U20s and he just told me that he was aware of me and what I can do, but he never mentioned anything about the U21s back then.

"But breaking into the U21s squad on a regular basis is a big aim of mine.

"This is going to be a massive season for me and I need to grab it with both hands and hopefully I can make it to where I want to be."

Wilson is one of 13 players to be included in the Under-21s squad for the first time, while seven of Southgate’s latest squad went to the Euro finals in the summer.

England failed to get out of the group in Czech Republic and Wilson believes that setback will drive last year’s intake on as the next Euro campaign approaches.

He said: "For the players who were in the squad last year, they’ve got to take that feeling of disappointment and use it as fuel for success.

"We have got some very good players at this level and they didn’t get out of the group in the summer, so they will be keen to make up for that as soon as possible.

"Hopefully I can help the team achieve the success we all think we deserve."

Wilson has represented his country at U16s, U19s and U20s level, playing in matches in Bournemouth, Slovenia, Estonia and France – and the Staffordshire native can’t wait to wear the Three Lions jersey a bit closer to home.

He added: "It’s nice to have a game up in the north west.

"I was on the bench for United against Preston in The FA Cup last year so it will be nice to go back to Deepdale.

"I know a few lads from Preston, I know a few Preston fans and obviously [Manchester United goalkeeper] Sam Johnstone played for them on loan, so it will be a great experience to play there if I get picked."

Tickets for the game at Deepdale are priced £10 for adults and £5 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and two children) costing £20 and group bookings of 15+ working out at £5 for adults and £1 for children.