FOR the second time in a month, Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach has been called up for the senior England squad. But far from being given time to prepare for the honour, Loach has been thrust into the fold with just hours notice.
Due to a goalkeeper shortage last month for England's friendly with Hungary, the Golden Boy was included in the travelling squad for the game at Wembley having been told the night before while preparing for Watford's Carling Cup game with Barnet.
This Wednesday, Loach received a similar call from Hornets goalkeeper coach Alec Chamberlain telling him the good news on his selection following Scott Carson's departure from the team. But this time the 22-year-old 'keeper wasn't even in the same country.
"It's been a very hectic day" revealed the stopper, speaking from the England team hotel last night (Thursday).
"I had just finished training with the U21 squad at our London Colney training ground and had flew over with the team to Portugal"
"I was literally sitting down to eat dinner in Portugal when I got the call to tell me to get back on the plane and come over here!
"But no matter where I was, I'd fly back from anywhere to play for England."
Loach had to leave his U21 duties behind for their crucial Euro 2011 qualifers against Portugal and Lithuania. But the Nottingham-born 'keeper said he has lots of faith in Stuart Pearce's team to get the job done.
"I'm a little bit gutted I'm not helping out the U21s, but Frankie Fielding and Jason Steele are more than capable of doing the job for the U21s so I have faith in them.
"They are both good keepers and the squad is big enough and strong enough to get the results we need over there.
"As much as I'd have loved to play for the U21 team and get them through to the competition, you can't say no to an opportunity like this."
And if last month's friendly was a dress rehearsal for Loach for the senior team experience, tonight will be the real thing.
"It's amazing to be involved in a Euro qualifier, it's such an important match. And especially after the World Cup, we want to get off to a good start.
"To be involved in that squad is brilliant.
"This time I feel a lot more comfortable because I've met all the lads before and I know more of them. I feel like I belong here with everyone.
"I'm not really a nervous person anyway, but knowing all the lads, and also not finding out until the last minute does make it a bit easier!"
Despite the ongoing media attention around Fabio Capello's team, Loach insists that the England players are confident and calm going into the game tonight.
"There are no nerves in the camp about the game to be honest" revealed Loach. "Everyone is laid back and relaxed.
"We are playing at Wembley and Wembley is our fortress so it should be a good game.
"Things like the World Cup happen in football. I wonder if the Brazil and Argentina fans have had the same reaction because they didn't do as well as they had expected.
"But this is a new era and a new campaign for England and I'm sure we'll get off to a flying start."
