Everton captain Seamus Coleman is happy to be joining up with the Republic of Ireland squad this week.

Coleman will face England at Wembley with Premier League managers complaining about the fixture list and another international friendly.

But he said: "I understand the managers and their frustrations and they want their players to be fit and well for the rest of the season. But as players, we really want to play for your country as well.

"People can see it's a strange time for friendlies with all the fixtures but, as players and I can only speak for myself, I just love playing for my country. To get this opportunity is great even though I also love playing for Everton.

"I'd like to think meeting up with their national teams around Europe and the world have got immense pride because you can't lose sight of the fact that from five, six or seven years old, that's all you wanted to do.

"I don't think it's a feeling you should get used to, it's a feeling you should get whenever you pull on the green jersey and I'm sure the England players will be feeling exactly the same as well.

"We want to win every game, that's just the way it works because we're professionals, competitors and don't get me wrong because England are an excellent team and it's a great test for us."