Euro trip is just the ticket for Arsenal rookie Holding

Rob Holding may be looking forward to jetting off on his summer holidays with Arsenal teammate Calum Chambers but the pair of young Gunners defenders have pressing business to attend to first.

Holding, 21, and Chambers, 22, are both part of the England U21s side that start their bid for European Championship glory in Poland on Friday night, with the Three Lions taking on defending champions Sweden in their opening game.

Things were pretty different this time 12 months ago as Holding – then a relatively-unknown Bolton Wanderers player – was holidaying in Thailand with his pals.

Now, the Arsenal man has an FA Cup winners’ medal to his name and is full of confidence ahead of the Young Lions’ Euro tilt – the beach life can wait for now.

“I won’t be backpacking this summer,” said Holding.

“I’ll probably go away with Calum Chambers – we’re pretty inseparable. Let’s hope it’s after the Euros final.

(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“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.

“It’s been surreal playing in the Champions League and winning the FA Cup. 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.”