Watford's Scott Loach in England Under-21 squad for European Championships (From Watford Observer)

Watford's Scott Loach in England Under-21 squad for European Championships

6:02pm Wednesday 27th May 2009

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Watford’s Scott Loach celebrated his 21st birthday by being named in the 23-man England Under-21 squad for this summer’s European Championship in Sweden.

The Hornets’ keeper, who is 21 today, will meet up with the squad on Sunday before flying out to their Spanish training ahead of the friendly against Azerbaijan on June 8.

England’s European Championship begins on June 15 against Finland, in Halmstad, and the Three Lions will also face Spain three days later and Germany on June 22.

Loach has become Watford’s number one this year and has made two substitute appearances for England Under-21s.

Watford manager Brendan Rodgers said: “I think everyone at the club is proud of his progress this season. His call-up is fully justified.

“He has been terrific for Watford and is up there with some of the best keepers in this country and if you look at the squad he is in, he is supporting a very strong squad.

“I think Joe Hart will probably be number one because of his Premier League experience but being second choice is a wonderful achievement and I am sure he will gain from their experience.”

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce told FA.com: “We are very pleased with the overall balance of the squad,.

"We have three or four players who are extremely versatile and can play in a number of positions. We also have a young squad with the players such as Muamba, Cattermole, Gibbs, Welbeck and Rodwell all being available for the next campaign, so this experience will be vital for them.

"They may be young, but they have all had good experience with their clubs this season and we believe they are the finished articles at this level.”

England Under-21 squad:

Goalkeepers; Joe Hart (Manchester City), Joe Lewis (Peterborough United), Scott Loach (Watford).

Defenders; Martin Cranie (Portsmouth), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle United), James Tomkins (West Ham United).

Midfielders; Lee Cattermole (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Driver (Hearts), Craig Gardner (Aston Villa), Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough), James Milner (Aston Villa), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Mark Noble (West Ham United), Jack Rodwell (Everton).

Forwards; Theo Walcott (Arsenal) Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Frazier Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur - on Loan), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

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