Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley cannot wait for Under-21 European Championships

Tom Cleverley, Wigan Athletic

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Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has admitted he is looking forward to the start of the Under-21 European Championships.

The youngster is expected to receive a crucial role in Stuart Pearce’s squad in an attempt to go one better than the last campaign in 2009 and win the competition.

Cleverley told the Manchester Evening News: “I can’t wait. This is a promising squad full of talent and team spirit.

“It is the best international group I have been involved with. This is special not only because of the quality but also because of the spirit and togetherness.”

The youngster, who starred on loan at Wigan last season, believes the current group of youngsters can emulate the success of the German team that won the tournament two years ago and individuals in that team such as Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Manuel Neuer.

He added: “The German side two years ago showed how good they were and they took all that experience on with them to the World Cup.

“Their progression was great and there is no reason why we couldn’t do the same. I want this Under-21 side to step up together like they did.

“I hope we can provide a strong core of future England senior squads. To have United colleagues like Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck doing that as well would be fantastic.”

Cleverley, along with Welbeck, made lasting impressions whilst on-loan at Wigan and Sunderland respectively and Smalling also made a great impact at Old Trafford in his first season at the Red Devils following his £10 million move from Fulham.

He now believes he can make an impact at the Championships and take that impetus into the next Premier League season where he hopes to play a part for the champions.

Cleverley said: “I think all three of us can be quite happy with the campaigns we have had.

“Chris has had a fantastic first season and proved his worth in the centre of defence. Danny went to Sunderland and has shown that he can score goals at that level.

“I played 25 games for Wigan and had some unforgettable experiences. I think we’ve all been successful and learned a lot.

“From my own point of view, to have an end of season like we did at Wigan – when we escaped from relegation with two victories in the last two matches – was unbelievable. I will remember that for the rest of my life.

“The whole thing was a brilliant experience that has helped me no end. Tactically, I couldn’t have worked under a better boss than Roberto Martinez.

“I always felt I could play at the top level but now I know what it takes and I feel ready for it more than ever with United.

“All I want now is to win this tournament with England and then I will be flying into next season.”