Scott Parker is 30 – but an England baby
Posted Thursday, October 06, 2011 by The Sun
SCOTT PARKER admits he feels like a 30-year-old kid in Fabio Capello's new England.
Midfielder Parker may be heading towards the veteran stage but as an international he is as green as the youngsters.
The Spurs enforcer, who will play the anchor role in Montenegro tomorrow night, made his England debut against Denmark at Old Trafford back on November 16, 2003.
But in eight years he has won just eight caps for his country.
Every time Parker has joined up with the squad it has been like starting all over again.
He said: "I may be 30 but I feel like I'm part of a new team.
"There are a lot of very good young players coming in and people talk about my age but you could probably include me with them.
"I haven't got a lot of experience at international level.
"I'm one of the oldest in the squad but I am new to this as well. It is an evolving England team."
Boss Capello has talked in the past of the pressure of playing for England and how it seems to cripple some of the most accomplished players. But Parker revels in it.
He added: "I haven't been at a big, big tournament but whether you come away with England in a tournament or a qualifier there is a lot of pressure and hype around it — you have to adapt to that.
"There is more pressure at international level or more of a spotlight on you than at your club, which you would expect when you represent a country like ours.
"It is just how you deal with it.
"I like it. Anyone under certain pressures can sink or swim but my take on it is that it's football. From a young age that is all I have done.
"I understand how important it is to everyone but my way of dealing with it is to put it into perspective and to realise I am going out to play football and I am going to try my best.
"If it is good enough then brilliant and if it isn't, I will look at myself and try and do better next time.
"I can only speak for myself but as a kid I only ever wanted to play for England.
"The pressure and the spotlight can affect people in different ways, but young players only ever want to play for their country.
"There's an excitement and a buzz in the dressing room.
"With young players you get that freedom and excitement. They are fresh and haven't experienced disappointments in the past, which could be a massive plus."
Parker was in Capello's provisional squad of 30 for last year's World Cup but did not make it into the final 23.
It may have been a blessing in disguise for the Spurs man. Like the youngsters, he carries none of the baggage of failure that worries Capello.
Parker, who celebrates his 31st birthday in seven days, said: "I've been away with the Under-18s and U21s but never a tournament with the seniors.
"After missing out in South Africa I didn't think I'd figure again but football changes pretty quickly. I've learnt that over the course of my career.
"It's changed for me recently but I need to stay focused and keep working to stay in the team."
Parker agrees he is improving with age. He could not crack it at Chelsea but has bedded into the holding role since. And last season he was named the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year — despite being relegated with West Ham.
Now back in the top flight with Spurs his career is flourishing.
He said: "I understand things a lot better and can deal with disappointments. All of that has helped to make me a better player as well as a better person.
"Football has a hang-up with people's ages. There is a time when age hits you and if you can't run any more it becomes a big issue but I can deal with things a lot better and I am a better player now."
Parker grabbed the opportunity to re-ignite his Three Lions career in the second half of February's 2-1 friendly win in Denmark.
He added: "After the initial disappointment of missing the World Cup I thought it was going to be pretty difficult to get back in under Mr Capello, I knew there wouldn't be a lot of opportunity.
"I knew I had to take that chance in Denmark. I'd been in the squad a few times under Mr Capello and never really got a chance.
"I went there wondering if I would get on or not, but half-time came and my attitude was I would give it a rip and see what happened.
"Obviously, I impressed the manager and was in the team against Wales in the next game.
"That match was only a week after my dad died so there were issues with the way I was feeling. I also had a shoulder and a toe injury.
"But you know what? When you get the nod to play for your country I think anyone would do anything to play.
"It was my first start under the manager, it was an important game and we won it.
"When people ask 'What games do you remember?' the Wales game is a massive stand out for me."
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