Gibbs speaks ahead of vital clash at U21 EUROs

Arsenal starlet Kieran Gibbs addressed the media yesterday morning ahead of tonight’s crunch UEFA u-21 European Championships clash with Spain.

The Three Lions got off to a winning start in Group B with a 2-1 victory over Finland, but will be without Michael Mancienee this evening due to suspension.

Mancehster City’s Micah Richards, who scored the winner against Finland, is a slight doubt because of injury and trained separately with the physio yesterday.

Gibbs, meanwhile, was calm and composed in front of the watching press and delivered his views on tonight’s encounter in a professional and astute manner:

“Everyone has seen what we’re capable of, in that first game we weren’t at our best but over the next two games we’ll get back to that.

“Spain will be technically gifted, and we’ll have to remember that – their Senior side are European Champions.

“But looking at our team and the ability we have, we can match that.”

Gibbs played at left-back in the opening game and it is in that position that he played a key role for the Arsenal first-team in the latter stages of last season. He was previously a left-winger and, he admits, is happy to play anywhere for the benefit of the team:

“When you’re playing for England you’re happy to play anywhere – as long as I’m not in goal.” .

“It’s a great honour to play for your country and I’ve enjoyed the experience so far, so I’m happy to play wherever the gaffer wants to play me.”

Whilst things are looking very rosy indeed for Gibbs, his Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott finds his starting place under threat following an ineffective showing in the opening group game. Coach Stuart Pearce has said that the former Southampton youngster is ‘just one of the squad’ and there is a strong possibility that Frazier Campbell may replace him this evening to revive his fruitful partnership with Gabriel Agbonlahor.