Ryan Bennett

Norwich City’s Ryan Bennett named in England U21 squad for European Championship qualifier against Belgium

David Cuffley Thursday, February 23, 2012
12:53 PM

New Norwich City defender Ryan Bennett has been included in the England Under-21 squad for next week’s European Championship qualifying match against Belgium.

Bennett, 21, the Canaries’ last-minute signing from Peterborough on the final day of the January transfer window for a reported £3.5m, is currently on loan back to Posh and is expected to make his final appearance for them in Saturday’s Championship game at Doncaster.

His next duty will then be to team up with England for Wednesday’s match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, after which he should be available for City’s Premier League match at Stoke a week on Saturday.

Bennett won his first England Under-21 cap in the 2-1 win over Norway in October.

England will be looking for revenge against a Belgium side who inflicted the first defeat of their European Championship qualifying campaign.

They will be managed in the Group Eight fixture by Brian Eastick, who is deputising for England caretaker manager Stuart Pearce.

Eastick was head coach for England at last summer’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

He said: “This match is very important to us and one we would dearly like to win, particularly after the loss we suffered away in Belgium back in November. That gave Belgium a lifeline in the group and they are now just four points behind us.”

Former City loan player Henri Lansbury, on loan to West Ham from Arsenal, is also in the squad.

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28 comments

So, Billy, because you see yourself as a "very loyal fan", and have been a season ticket holder for as much as 10 years (wow!!), you think that qualifies you to know more about players' abilities than professionals that have been in the game for many years longer than that! The great St. Paul of Lambert has rarely made a misjudgement in his signings, and I doubt if this one is any different. And if he was as bad as you fear, why would Peterborough want to keep him for another month after he signed for us? To say nothing of the England selectors - whether you agree with them or not, they must see something in him that they can use on the international scene. And as for length of time holding a season ticket, I've had mine since 1971 - that's over 40 years (and counting). Does that make me more of an expert than you? I think it just about qualifies me as a loyal fan - and I don't have ANY negative thoughts about them.

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The Crab

Saturday, February 25, 2012
Funny enough, I'm actually a very loyal fan and a season ticket holder of 10 years and counting. So please, just because I have negative opinions don't start labelling what I may be. I've seen plenty of footballers brought in and I have seen enough of this Bennett lad to know if he doesn't up his game drastically as he advances through the years, we have a liability on our hands. He really didn't impress me with the part he had to play for Peterborough's notably leaky defence, he didn't seem very solid at all, and definitely needs to be more vocal.

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Billy

Friday, February 24, 2012
Ged Steroo and Billy are the same person - discuss.

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robotsthatcare

Friday, February 24, 2012
Really hate the disappearing comments as you submit. Can't be bothered typing it again.

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ImDrunky

Friday, February 24, 2012
Sorry for the confusion MB, but yep I meant the senior team. The current squad isn't up to standards, so really friendlies would be the ideal time to experiment with the team, mix it up a bit and try out untested English players.

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ImDrunky

Friday, February 24, 2012
Like Brewer, I'm surprised at Rob Green's selection, I really thought his England days were over. Got no problem with Green, but is this really the way forward for England? And Sprowston, I'd rather they Photoshop me and make me look younger!

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jharding

Friday, February 24, 2012
Sorry, ImDrunky, you were referring to the England Senior squad and it`s Fraizer Campbell of Sunderland. I`m surprised Green was selected. Ideal chance to introduce some new blood to the group. Ruddy, for instance, as you suggested. I doubt Holty will ever get a chance. It`d be great if he did, but Tempus fugit.

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Mad Brewer

Friday, February 24, 2012
Got a feelin' about this kid! Mad Brewer, you're right- dead ringer for Malkovic; his youthful glow is belied by a wisdom in his eyes...

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Rogers of Norwich

Friday, February 24, 2012
Which Campbell is that, DJ? Is he an over-age player? Ruddy and Holty certainly would be!

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Mad Brewer

Friday, February 24, 2012
It is a pity someone at Archant couldn't photoshop him so he is in yellow and green. Perhaps they could also give him a few wrinkles so he looks a bit older for jharding et al?!

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Sprowstonboy

Friday, February 24, 2012
Billy no mate - shhh. Good to see him called up, just disappointed Ruddy and Holt didn't get a called up but Campbell did, how did that happen? he has only scored 2 goals this season and hasn't played that much footy.

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ImDrunky

Friday, February 24, 2012
It is a pity someone at Archant couldn't photoshop him so he is in yellow and green. Perhaps they could also give him a few wrinkles so he looks a bit older for jharding et al?!

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Sprowstonboy

Friday, February 24, 2012
It`s quite bizarre in a way. He`s City`s player but will play for Peterborough and possibly England Under-21s before he kicks a ball for us. Is that some sort of record, I wonder? Will he even train with us before joining the England party? See Lansbury`s in the squad too. I wonder if he`ll stay with W. Ham if they get promoted. I liked Henri. 100% trier for us last season.

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Mad Brewer

Friday, February 24, 2012
It is a pity someone at Archant couldn't photoshop him so he is in yellow and green. Perhaps they could also give him a few wrinkles so he looks a bit older for jharding et al?!

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Sprowstonboy

Friday, February 24, 2012
Silly Billy

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Premier League Budgie

Friday, February 24, 2012
Well done him & a good looker too!! OTBC x. Billy sounds as though he originates from south of the boarder & ought to head back that way.

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CANARY-CRUISE-GIRL

Friday, February 24, 2012
It is telling that Archant do not find Billy`s comments offensive.

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Mad Brewer

Friday, February 24, 2012
Uh-oh, has someone started breeding trolls?

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Swiss Canary

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Great news that our royal waste of money is now going to embarrass himself and our country at a youth level, good practice for when he's rubbish for us too. Great.

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Billy

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Ryan is likely to be plunged into the deep end pretty quickly due to injuries and so lack of defensive cover.The manager has a track record of player development in skills but also has that little bit of magic that breeds confidence in especially younger players with great promise.NCFC have traded pretty well with Posh in the past which also bodes well.Their forward thinking for development of the team for next season and hopefully thereafter will bear fruit for a long time to come.Reasons to be cheerful.(The FA Cup Gods must hate us.I am not very keen on them either.)

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Peter Watson

Thursday, February 23, 2012
jharding, I always believe you are as young as the woman man you feel. Will be great to have Bennet on board. Let's hope he gets a good partnership going with our Cafu and Beckenbauer.

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Soglio Star

Thursday, February 23, 2012
thats just added 10 million to his valuation, a young england u21 international for 3m, what a bargain.if things go well for him at u21s and at city then we could have a player worth 20million

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jmm

Thursday, February 23, 2012
jh, old people were once young . Young people cannot be certain they`ll get there. Or even become people anyway! They may brag about a future that is yet to happen. But we old gits should leave it to them rather than dwell on a distant and blurred past. Too much time spent looking out of the office window is no alp at all.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, February 23, 2012
I can remember how good I thought I was! I think that's right.

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jharding

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Does he look a bit like John Malkovich in the Johnny English Film? None of us can avoid getting old, jharding. As long as we look forward and do not brag about a long gone and illusory past. I reckon you must be young at heart! OTBC.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Are these players looking younger and younger or is it me just getting old?

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jharding

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Good man!

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Swiss Canary

Thursday, February 23, 2012
well,at least we have one player in an england squad, even if he has never played for us as yet. looking forward to seeing him in canary yellow.

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goldeneadie

Thursday, February 23, 2012