Roeder: Don't Despair

Glenn Roeder says that Michael Carrick and Joe Cole should not have any problems about being back in the England under-21 squad for the match against Greece on Tuesday.

"They have made their debuts now for the seniors - so they don't have that pressure on them anymore," he explains.

"It is a massive game for the seniors and the under-21s as well if we want to progress in the competition, so it goes without saying that bringing Michael and Joe back into the under-21s is only going to strengthen the team.

"It does make sense and I'm sure they won't be disappointed: every time you pull on an England shirt, whether it be at 'B' level, under-21, senior, there is so much pride in wearing the shirt and having the three lions on your chest.

"You stick your chest out with great pride and I could never understand anyone saying I don't want to be in the 'B' team if I've been in the senior team - that is a real poor show, and there have been one or two do that in recent years and they are letting themselves down.

"If you are selected to play for your country at any level it is the most wonderful honour you can imagine."

As well as the pair making their full debuts against Mexico last week, the Hammers had two under-21 debutants in Jermain Defoe, who should keep his place in the side, and Steve Bywater.

Adds Glenn: "I was at the under-21 game and it was typical Jermain Defoe; he had three chances in the game, and he took one, but on another night he could have had a hat-trick.

"But when you consider he was giving away two or three years I thought he had an exceptional debut.

"But he mustn't be rushed and hurried too soon, but be brought along steadily, and I think if we do that for the right reasons he is going to have a big career.

"As for Steve, what he had to do he dealt with very well, and he used it well with his throw outs and kicks, and he is now playing with a lot more confidence than 7 months ago."

As for the full debut boys, Glenn says: "I thought in their own way, playing their own styles, they were excellent.

"Joe, particularly when he comes off the left side like he says he can do, makes good runs off the ball and plays terrific give and goes.

"He showed some top class play to create a chance for Alan Smith late in the game and he got himself an opportunity early on but although he got good contact the keeper made a good save with his legs.

"Michael was Michael; I think he wasted one ball in the whole half.

"The thing with Michael Carrick is you have to watch him carefully; if you are not concentrating on the game you will probably not even realise he has been in the game because he shifts the ball on so quickly at times.

"He doesn't dwell on the ball or have lots of touches, he is a one and two touch player.

"They complement each other well but make no mistake he, like Joe, is top drawer."