Joe Lewis must have his head in the clouds. The 6ft 6ins goalkeeper was playing in the fourth tier of English football two years ago, but a senior England call-up, two promotions and a run-out in the European Under-21 Championships later, and the Norwich-born stopper is only looking upwards.
The Peterborough goalkeeper only played 45 minutes for England as they reached the final, but with first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart suspended for the crucial game, Lewis was in with a chance of starting. Stuart Pearce, the England coach however chose to place his trust in Scott Loach, who conceded a disastrous goal in England’s four-goal mauling.
Lewis’ 45 minutes came against Germany in the final group game. Coming on at half time in place of Loach, he didn’t have too much to do but he was happy with his contribution. ”I was comfortable I wasn’t put under a great deal of pressure but I thoroughly enjoyed it and you are always interested in playing a part in the tournament and I think I played my part.”
Lewis is clearly just happy to be in the England manager’s plans. Speaking of his call-up to the under-21 squad travelling to Sweden, he said: “I was delighted. I had been in the squads leading up to it, but it was really good to be included it’s great to come away and train with the players in the squad, we’ve got some top draw players and it will only improve me as a player.”
It has been a dramatic climb to stardom for the 22 year-old and he will be playing against more world-class talent this season as his Peterborough side face the likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the Championship - something Lewis is relishing. “It's great for the club, great for the fans, there are some massive games. We’re thoroughly looking forward to that but we won’t be overawed, we’re all in the same league by right we got so we won’t be scared of teams.”
Lewis believes that Peterborough are not just there to make up the numbers. “We’ve got a young squad that improves every year and we’ve got one or two special players in there that I certainly think can go one step further and play Premiership football. We’ve got a young enthusiastic manager who backs the team and he’s signed some very good players.”
The manager is none other than Darren Ferguson, son of legendary Manchester United boss, Sir Alex, and he is showing signs that he could one day follow in his father’s footsteps.
There were rumors linking Lewis with a Premiership move following his shock call-up to the England senior squad last year for the match against Trinidad and Tobago, but Lewis dismisses the speculation insisting that he is currently happy where he is. “We’ve had back-to-back promotions now so it would be a silly time for anyone to leave the club I feel,” he said.
But what about another call-up to the seniors and a chance to pull on the famous Three Lions shirt?
“That’s the ultimate aim for any English goalkeeper to play for England, but I’m not going to get ahead of myself. Club-wise I’m going to keep playing and try to impress at the Championship level. At the moment I’m unproven at that level so it’s another step for me. I’ve got to prove to certain people and to myself that I’m good enough for that.
“Fingers crossed in a few years time if I’m playing well for the club then I can look at making the senior squad.”
If Lewis continues to improve at the vast rate he has, then that England cap may not be long in coming.
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