Redknapp proud of England´s Parker

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has expressed his delight at seeing Scott Parker represent England at Euro 2012.

The 31-year-old Spurs man earned his first international cap back in 2003 but it is only in the last two seasons his efforts have been rewarded with consistent appearances for his country.

Parker helped Tottenham to a fourth-place finish in the English Premier League last season, playing an integral part in Redknapp’s plans, and the former Portsmouth boss believes it was about time his player’s talents were recognised.

“It’s only been the last couple of years that (Parker) has been given the opportunity to play at international level, and he’s grabbed it with both hands,” the Spurs manager told Sky Sports.

“He now looks an established player for England. He’s had a great season at Tottenham, he was a fantastic signing for us. The job he did was amazing, the fans love him.

“He gets after the ball, he wins it, he closes people down, he shuts off passing avenues for the opposition, he’s an all-round midfield player. The one thing he doesn’t do is score goals, but he plays a more holding role.

“I think he will complement Steven Gerrard well because Steven likes to burst forward at times and Scott will hold in there and protect.

“When England beat Spain at Wembley, we were under the cosh for most of the game but Spain didn’t create too many chances even though they had a lot of the ball, and Scott was instrumental in front of our back four, shutting people down and closing balls into front men.

“He will do that job for us. He brings a strong base to the team. I think Scott and Steven Gerrard are going to be massive, they are going to be key.”

England begin their Euro 2012 campaign with a match against Group D opponents France in Donetsk on Monday.