Nick Powell has been called up to the England U-21 squad to face Serbia in the Euro 2013 play-off qualifications.
Just over a year ago Nick Powell was playing for League Two side Crewe Alexandra and helped them secure promotion after going through a play-off process. Since joining Manchester United he knows he can’t take chances for granted. The same stands for England.
Powell made his Premier League debut after coming on from the bench against Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford. In that game he scored a screamer from outside the box and has earned praise from players and managers alike ever since.
Not many expected the 18-year-old to settle in as fast, although so far I’ve been impressed. Sir Alex Ferguson recently claimed Powell has the ability to replace Paul Scholes. That was a bold statement but if the England U-21 international can keep a level-headed approach to his game, I’ve no doubt that he will become an important aspect to this Manchester United squad. However, he needs to have patience. Something Paul Pogba lacked.
“Nick Powell got his move from Crewe, to a massive club at United, and has made his first team bow,” said Stuart Pearce. “He has a really bright future. I’m really looking forward to bringing them into the squad to give us a lift. They couldn’t come in at a more crucial time.”
Powell will become the second Manchester United player in the U-21 squad to face Serbia on October 12 and 16 with Ben Amos named in the squad also.