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Leighton Baines happy with squad role

Baines happy with squad role
© PA Photos
Everton full-back Leighton Baines accepts that he is unlikely to start for England at Euro 2012.

Leighton Baines has insisted that he is just happy to be part of the England squad for Euro 2012.

The Everton full-back is not expected to feature too regularly at the tournament, with Ashley Cole widely tipped to keep hold of the left-back role for the Three Lions.

Despite admitting that he would like to be in the starting lineup, Baines has confessed that he is simply looking to make the most of his first major international competition.

"I don't really think that much about it. I just try and play as well as I can for my club and hopefully keep getting called up," the 27-year-old told the Liverpool Echo. "I knew where I stood beforehand, so it's nothing new really. It's about physically and mentally keeping yourself as fresh as possible so you are ready when called upon.

"It's disappointing not to get a run out, though it was understandable because the manager was probably wanting to play his back four together for what will be his back four in the tournament.

"It's my first tournament so I'm just buzzing to be going over there and it will be a fantastic experience for a lot of us who have never been before."

Baines has made eight appearances for England.

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