SUMMER LOVING!
Holding’s big plans
RISING Arsenal star Rob Holding has gone from backpacker to FA Cup winner in just 12 months.
Now, t he £ 1. 5million bargain buy from Bolton is aiming to rocket up the international ladder as part of the England Under-21s’ summer quest for European Championship glory in Poland.
Aidy Boothroyd’s Three Lions f ace defending champions Sweden in their opening group game on Friday evening – and Holding is set to start after a number of brilliant displays in the Gunners’ run to cup success.
It is all a far cry from this time last year when the virtually unknown Championship centre-back was trekking across Thailand with a few of his friends.
Little wonder then that amid the prospect of landing even more silverware this month he is in no rush to hit the beach again just yet. That can wait. Holding, 21, played 18 times for Arsene Wenger’s men last season, including both the FA Cup semi-final win over Man City and the final win over London rivals Chelsea.
He said: “On a personal level, I’ve been on quite a high. Hopefully, I can carry that on with this team into the Euros and keep the winning streak going.
“I won’t be backpacking this summer.
“I’ll probably go away with Calum Chambers – we’re pretty inseparable.
“Let’s hope it’s after the Euros final.”
Humble and unassuming off the pitch, Holding is the reverse on it – as he demonstrated when stifling Chelsea pair Diego Costa and Eden Hazard at Wembley last month.
That performance in Arsenal’s 2-1 win followed an equally outstanding display in the semi-final against Man City – and completed a stunning first season of unexpected progress at The Emirates.
To get so much action certainly took Holding by surprise – yet he has taken it all in his stride.
“It’s been surreal playing in the Champions League and winning the FA Cup,” he added. “I played a hell of a lot more than I thought I would.
“When you get a chance you must be ready to step in and not let the manager down.
“But I don’t feel extra pressure. I’m pretty laid back.”
As for his successful scrap with notorious Spanish hardnut Costa, Holding added: “I only got up close with him a couple of times.
“He was alright. He gave me a couple of claps and high-fives.
“I didn’t let him get in my head. I was oblivious to it and was just concentrating on what we were doing.
“It seemed to pay off in the end.”
That calmness for the big occasion should be a serious asset for the Under-21s this summer – and stems from training with Arsenal’s Chilean livewire Alexis Sanchez on a daily basis.
Holding said: “He’s a top quality player, very sharp and he doesn’t give me a second on the ball.
“That helps in games because I seem to have more time. Alexis is 100 per cent every day – and that’s what rubs off on the lads. He sets the tone for us.”