Burnden Aces

Holding Hopes for More After England's Toulon Success

• May 31, 2016 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/8c687

•  
• England U21, Rob Holding, Toulon Tournament
• 

Rob Holding hopes success at the Toulon Tournament is just the start, after helping England U21s claim the title for the first time since 1994.

Holding was drafted into the squad as a late replacement for Everton defender Brendan Galloway, who suffered an injury in the build-up to the competition, and made two appearances for the Young Lions as they secured victory in each of their five games.

In his first interview since returning to England, Holding admits it was a 'proud moment' to represent his nation and hopes he did enough to show manager Gareth Southgate he was a worthy choice.

"I really enjoyed being involved in the tournament," Holding told bwfc.co.uk. "It was a fantastic experience, being out there with the players and the staff.

"There was a really positive vibe between everybody from the second we linked up together, right throughout the group, so that definitely made it easier to go and play.

"From my point of view, making my debut against Guinea, it was such a proud moment to put the shirt on and play for England and it's one that will stay with me forever.

"It was a real team effort though - to win a tournament is a great feeling, but to do it for your country is just surreal.

"I just hope that personally I showed what I'm about as a player and that I can eventually earn a few more caps in the future.

"I'd like to thank the fans back home for their support. They've been absolutely brilliant and it gave me such a boost.

"All the messages I've received from Bolton fans have been amazing and I genuinely can't thank them enough for getting behind me and the lads like they have."

• 
• Burnden Aces

• 
• @BurndenAces