Utd pair tip Scholes for Euros - Jones and Smalling hail midfielder's influence on United

Posted Saturday, April 14, 2012 by skysports.com

Paul Scholes: Midfielder has been tipped for an England call for Euro 2012 by his Manchester United team-mates

Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both believe Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes is capable of playing for England at Euro 2012.

Scholes retired from international football after Euro 2004 before hanging up his boots at Old Trafford at the end of last season.

However, the 37-year-old came out of retirement in January and he has played an influential role in United opening up a five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The midfielder's performances have also prompted a clamour for Scholes to be included in England's squad for the European Championship and Jones would not be surprised if he is called up.

Unbelievable

"I remember playing with him for the first time in his testimonial at the start of the season and I thought he was just unbelievable," said Jones.

"When you see him in training and the things he does it's just a joke. The positions he takes up make him like a magnet for the ball. He is always around the ball, he is always there to receive it, is always there to support play and his general all-round play is so good.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he went to the Euros. And I don't see why his age should be a problem. Although they say these days you have to have a lot of pace, if you are clever enough and you read the game well enough, you can stay a couple of steps ahead of opponents."

Jones' fellow defender and England international Smalling also believes that, whoever replaces Fabio Capello as coach, could name Scholes in the 23-man squad.

Smalling said: "I'm sure he could have the same influence on England as he has done on United.

"Scholesy is unique. You can see moments in a game when it is all rushed and then he gets the ball and settles it all down. He has the ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

"Come the summer there may well be calls for him to be included in the squad and it will be because he is a player in great form. I'm sure he's a player that any England manager would want."