Young hails England’s ‘unbelievable’ spirit

● United defender says boss Southgate has used his know-how as player to bring back sense of togetherness to the squad

has got the buzz of going to a World Cup and the togetherness that is here in the squad is unbelievable.”

For the 32-year-old, this summer presents an opportunity that looked to have passed.

There were 1,526 days between Young’s 30th and 31st caps, but impressive form for Manchester United as a remodelled full-back saw him receive a long-awaited England recall in November.

Fine form and versatility eventually saw the winger-turned-defender get the nod alongside Danny Rose as England’s left-backs for the World Cup, a first chance to shine on the global stage and one he intends to grab with both hands.

“I think a lot is about skill, but it comes with that hard work, determination, hunger and desire,” said Young, who missed a penalty in England’s Euro 2012 quarter-final shootout exit to Italy.

“I’ve still got that winning mentality. I still want to win things. I am not just going to the World Cup just to say ‘yeah, I played in a World Cup’. I want to go and win.

“The inspiration of 1966 is incredible and seeing the videos – I won’t say DVDS because it was VHS back then – I know those days.

“The excitement is still there, and I am ready. More than ready.

“It feels unbelievable. As a kid, I always thought about playing in the World Cup from the age of five, six, seven.

“I think if you saw my Instagram post, I think that said it all.”

Young’s experience may prove important for this callow squad, so too Southgate’s know-how from his playing days on what players need at a major tournament.

It certainly appears to be bearing fruit ahead of a World Cup that England are ready to attack.

“He’s been there, he’s done it, he’s played,” Young said of Southgate. “I think he knows what the players need, how to get players together and I think he’s brought that togetherness back.

“At meal times, players are sitting with staff, everyone is talking with each other.

“Out on the pitch, there is the togetherness there. We did the game last week north v south – obviously the south won – and it’s a great togetherness that we’ve got. In previous squads, I’ve not seen that.

“But in this, there’s a real buzz and there’s a real excitement about this squad. When you come into the squad, you’re welcomed with open arms.

“I had that as well and obviously, being the oldest coming in, it was nice to see. It was refreshing to see young players that have got the desire to want to go out and win. The togetherness, the team spirit is unbelievable.”