Manchester United & England's Chris Smalling: Start to the season has been like a dream

Posted Saturday, September 03, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has spoken of his joy at both his own and his respective teams’ start to the current season.

Smalling made his England debut against Bulgaria in a 3-0 win on Friday and his performance looked to be the icing on the cake of an ideal start to the defender’s campaign.

Speaking to BBC Sport Smalling said: "My first month or so couldn't have gone any better, so hopefully the season can carry on like this. I'm really enjoying my football. It's gone like a dream."

Although primarily a center-back, the new season has seen the newly-capped England international in a right-back role for Manchester United - and it was there that the player also made his debut against Bulgaria. And although he hopes to return to his natural position, Smalling is more than happy with any playing time he receives.

He continued: "I didn't see myself playing regularly at right-back for Manchester United or making my England debut in that position."

"Hopefully I can do the job for the minute but I feel my future definitely lies at center-half. I feel Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson are great people to be backed by so hopefully I can carry on doing that job and they will have faith in me."

The 3-0 win over the Bulgarians sees England sitting atop Group G with two games left to play and three points more than second-place Montenegro, who suffered what was a surprise defeat to Wales on Friday.

Smalling hopes that his solid debut could lead to his second England appearance against Wales at Wembley on Tuesday, and says that he and his teammates feel that qualification is now finally in their sights.

"We've been given a massive opportunity by Wales beating Montenegro. It was something we didn't expect and when we came into the dressing room and heard the result it's really given us an edge. With 80,000 behind us at Wembley, hopefully we can really kick over the finishing line," said Smalling.