SCOTT'S NUMBER ONE FOR ENGLAND
SCOTT Loach has been confirmed to take the acclaimed spot between the England sticks in tonight's Euro 2009 final at the New Stadium Malmo.
The 21-year-old replaces Manchester City's Joe Hart and will be clocking up his second start in the competition, after taking the reigns in England's final group game against Germany last week.
Speaking exclusively to www.watfordfc.com from his hotel in Varberg, the rookie keeper said "It feels brilliant; I'm really looking forward to tonight."
"It is one thing being involved in the tournament, which has been great, but it's another thing to get the chance to play in the final.
"I can't describe it really- it's the best feeling ever, especially to play in a final against Germany."
Already familiar with the attacking set-up of the Germans, Loach said he has nothing to fear for the contest which replicates an U21 version of the World Cup final in 1966 in Malmo tonight.
"There's nothing that makes them better than us, even though we're not underestimating them, we don't have anything to fear.
"The victory is there for the taking, we just need to show up on the night and do the job.
"Even though Germany are a big, strong side and hard to break down, hopefully tonight we will show that we're better."
Following a nail-biting semi-final which was concluded by a penalty shoot out, Loach is un-phased by the prospect of spot kicks.
"The second half on Friday was really nerve-wracking.
"When we went 3-0 up, we thought that was it, but should never underestimate a team in the final stages of a competition, and Sweden came back fighting.
"Penalties are a bit different for a goalie, you have nothing to lose really, and then Joe took a penalty and scored for us! It turned out to be the best one!"
When asked whether he would ever step-up to the plate, the stopper replied, "Obviously I would have taken one for the team if I was asked, but I don't really consider myself as a penalty taker!
"It would have probably shot over the bar into the stands or gone wide of the post!"
As well as all the Watford faithful who will be watching our keeper play for his country, there's one special person who will be in the crowd in Sweden.
"All my family and friends will be watching the game at home, but we're actually flying my dad out here to watch it especially."
But despite the pressure, the hype and the fact he will be playing to a crowd of around 280,000 people, the young Lion is surprisingly calm about the whole thing.
"I don't have a set routine before matches; I just pop my headphones on and prepare myself for the game in my own little world.
"We're only about 5-10 minutes away from the stadium, so we'll have our pre-match meal and then make our way over there.
"We've already visited the ground and had a walk around yesterday in preparation. It's a brand new stadium and it's very nice so I look forward to playing there later!"
You can see Loach in action for the England U21s on Sky Sports tonight at 7.45pm.
