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Mark Noble is dreaming of ending his England U21 career by defeating Germany and lifting the European Championship trophy in Malmo.

Noble, 22, and players such as James Milner will make their final appearance for the Under-21s when Stuart Pearce's youngsters face England's traditional rivals at Swedbank Stadion.

"It will be my last match for the U21s and what a way to go out," he said.

They have already gone one better than 2007 when they were knocked out at the semi-final stage - and now Noble is targeting a famous win.

Noble added: "I was so close two years ago but now we have one foot in the door and hopefully we can step in."

Noble has heard all about England glory against Germany after growing up at West Ham, with the statue of Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters outside Upton Park a constant reminder of 1966.

While international football can be seen as a hindrance at some clubs, its importance is ingrained at West Ham.

Noble said: "You hear the fans singing their cheeky songs. When teams come to us and say we haven't won anything, they sing back that they won the World Cup.

"It's just within the club. You get that as a whole when you come to West Ham. You take it on board."

PA Press