Howard's Delight For Osman

No-one more deserving of England cap, says goalkeeper.

Tim Howard has spoken of his delight that teammate Leon Osman is set to make his England debut against Sweden on Wednesday, insisting there is no-one more deserving of international honours.

Osman, 31, is set to become the third oldest Three Lions debutant since 1954 behind Steve Bould and Kevin Davies.

The Blues midfielder was called up to the England squad for the first time last week and is expected to start in Stockholm alongside Blues cohort Leighton Baines and fellow debutants Raheem Sterling and Steven Caulker.

"This could be a blanket statement for the whole team but I don't think I've been more excited for a human being than I was for Ossie," said Howard, America’s 82-cap No.1.

"You're talking about one of the greatest guys to be around, a guy who's hard working and so deserving of that call-up.

"Fingers crossed he gets an England cap because there have been a heck of a lot less deserving guys down the years to get caps.

"He's just so fantastic and he's been a rock for this Club. I was delighted for him; so, so happy."