Hart wants under-21s chance

Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Joe Hart today jetted out for his first major summer international tournament declaring: "Hopefully there's many more to come."

The 20-year-old Shropshire-born custodian - now with Manchester City - was part of Stuart Pearce's England under-21 squad bound for Holland for the European Championships which get underway on Sunday.

England find themselves in a group with the Czech Republic, who they meet on Monday, Italy and Serbia - with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

Despite keeping a clean sheet in Tuesday's 5-0 demolition of Slovakia at Norwich and saving two penalties in a specially arranged shoot-out to prepare the squad for the tournament, Hart is likely to have to play second fiddle to Scott Carson.

The Liverpool goalkeeper - who spent last season on loan at Charlton - was part of the senior squad on duty against Brazil and Estonia in the last week.

But Hart remains excited at the prospects for the tournament - and hopes to use it to gain experience for what is sure to be a promising career.

"It's every lad's dreams to play in a World Cup or European Championships for their country and I'm no different," said Hart, anxiously awaiting news of a managerial replacement for Pearce at City.

"Hopefully there are more summer tournaments to come for me but that's a long way down the line - I'm just concentrating on doing my best for these European Championships.

"I think Scott will be selected but if he has any problems, hopefully I can be ready to come in and do a good job.

"It's Scott's last year as an under-21 so I want to make sure I'm in a good position for the team for next season.

"But whatever happens, this will be a great experience and I'm sure we can do well in the tournament.

"We have got a good squad and the boys are feeling good about our chances."

Shrewsbury Town officials will certainly be monitoring Hart's blossoming England career with interest with the initial £600,000 transfer fee paid by Manchester City due to rise as Hart climbs up the club and international ladder.

l Blackburn winger David Bentley has withdrawn from the England Under-21 European Championship squad due to fatigue.

The 22-year-old played more than 50 games for Blackburn this season and his club boss Mark Hughes had raised concerns over burn-out. Stuart Pearce named Bentley in his 23-man squad for the finals and he was due to meet up with his under-21 team-mates today after travelling to Estonia with the seniors.