Rodders Made Up

Jack Rodwell was naturally over the moon to make his England debut in the victory over Spain on Saturday as a substitute in the 57th minute.

Rodwell: “It´s a proud moment for me. As a kid I always dreamed of making my senior debut and tonight I´ve done that.”

“To make it against the world champions and get the win – it was a perfect night all round.

“I thought to myself, ´You might get the chance to go on, so keep focused´.

“When I was sat on the bench, I pictured where I´d be playing and I was ready to come on.”

It was a real baptism of fire for Rodwell, who went close to doubling England´s lead with a lung-busting surge forward but spent most of the time chasing the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Asked what he had taken from the game, Rodwell said: “Loads. Confidence, the experience of being able to play against the likes of Iniesta and Xavi and all the big players like that.

“It´s just a great experience for me and I just want to keep focused now and keep playing well and playing regularly for my club.”

He added: “Your first game in anything – the reserves, your first team and your club, the (England) Under-21s and now the seniors – everything is just a learning curve and it´s good experience for me.

“Long may it continue.”

Rodwell´s next taste of senior international football may be just around the corner, with England hosting Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday night.

“There´s a big squad here and a lot of lads itching to play, so whatever happens happens,” said Rodwell, who has a real fight on his hands just to stay in the squad ahead of next year´s European Championships once Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard return from injury.

“When they come back, hopefully we can do even better.

“I can´t look too far ahead.

“I´m really pleased and I´ve just got to concentrate on my club form now.”

Before that, Rodwell will savour his debut and endeavour to reply to the countless text messages he received after Saturday night´s game.

He said: “There have been a lot of congratulatory messages so I´m really proud at the moment.”