West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble has struggled to put into words what it means to lead England into tonight's U21 European Championship.

"It's overwhelming," he said. "To be the best in Europe at Under-21 level is what we've wanted to achieve for the last two years in qualifying. If we do that it will be one of the best moments I'll have, I'm sure.

"It will be my last match for the Under-21s and what a way to go out. I was so close two years ago but now we have one foot in the door and hopefully we can step in.

"It's been noted England teams don't get to many finals. I don't know why because we have the players that can do it.

"Players from West Ham have done that and it would be fantastic to lead the players out here in a European Championship final. Nothing else is on my mind apart from lifting that trophy."