David Stockdale modestly admitted he doesn’t yet see himself as part of the England squad – but hopes to earn a place on the plane to Ukraine and Poland for Euro 2012 by deputising for Mark Schwarzer over the next few weeks.
The Fulham goalkeeper, hurriedly recalled from a loan spell at Ipswich after the full extent of Schwarzer’s spinal injury was confirmed, was outstanding as the Whites battled for a point at Chelsea yesterday afternoon. The 26 year-old wants to turn in some more displays of that quality to solidify his spot as Fabio Capello’s third choice keeper.
I don’t actually see myself as a recognised member of the England squad yet. Every time I get called up it’s still excitement and there are other people he could call up.
I’m just going to play for every squad and try not to look too far ahead. It will help if I can put in some good performances but it’s not about England at the moment it’s about cementing place in the Fulham team.
Stockdale was delighted with Fulham’s improved defensive display at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day after their 5-0 thrashing by Manchester United a few days earlier.
I thought the performance was a brilliant response to what happened against Manchester United. We looked at few things on the video during the week and played really well as a result of the meeting. We wanted to draw a line under that and I think we have with the result at Chelsea.
UPDATE: Here are a few more quotes from Stockdale, courtesy of this Guardian story:
I have always wanted a run in the team. Definitely. I’ve been here for three years now [since a £600,000 move from Darlington] and Mark Schwarzer has done so well, and it’s hard to keep sitting on the bench and watching him do well. I’ve got to go out and do my job and do it well. I’ve just got to keep going and play for as long as the manager keeps putting me in.
