Scott Parker: First major tournament is massive personal achievement

England midfielder Scott Parker is desperate to take his chance to impress on the international stage for the first time.

Parker has become an integral part of the national team at a late stage in his career, playing in his first international tournament at the age of 31.

The Tottenham Hotspur stalwart told BBC Radio Five Live: "It's a massive tournament for me personally. At 31 it's my first tournament so it's one I have been looking forward to for a long time and I am over the moon.

"You always watch the games and wish you could be there or playing a part in it but for one reason or another it wasn't meant to be.

"I suppose now I am here I need to try to soak up every bit of it and do the best I can when I'm called upon."

England have been sweating on the fitness of Parker after an Achilles problem blighted the end of his domestic season.

Parker looks certain to start England's first game at Euro 2012 against France on July 11.