Tom Cleverley hails England's Manchester United core

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 March 2013

England midfielder Tom Cleverley believes that the presence of so many fellow Manchester United players in the England squad benefits both club and country.

England midfielder Tom Cleverley has expressed his belief that having so many fellow Manchester United players in the international squad is good for both his club and his country.

United currently have six representatives in the England squad - a number that could have been even higher had Phil Jones been fit and Rio Ferdinand not pulled out.

Cleverley believes that having such a high number of players who are familiar with how each other play is good for England's chances, and that United would also benefit from having an English core.

"When you see the current squad, seven of us got picked [Ferdinand pulled out to manage his fitness]. It's the biggest [United contingent] it has been for a while. You have Phil Jones to add to that," said the 23-year-old.

"We are obviously proud of that fact. We must be doing something right for our club. Hopefully we can carry on that form for England as well.

"It is good that we all know each other and how each other play. It is good for Manchester United as well that there is a good core of English players who are doing well. Sir Alex also wants us to play well so we will gain confidence when we go back to the club."

Cleverley has won eight caps for his country since making his debut last year.