Shorey assured among England élite

While millions of fans in more than 100 countries around the world tuned in on Friday night to see the international return of David Beckham, the new Wembley and the ever-watchable Brazil – few beyond English shores would have been too familiar with the man wearing the white No3 shirt.

Key injuries
Nicky Shorey capped a tremendous first season with unfashionable Reading FC in the Premier League with an accomplished debut at left-back in the 1-1 draw. His chance to become his club's first capped Englishman since 1907 came about because of injuries to first-and-second choice performers Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge. Shorey performed admirably on his first cap, especially considering the Brazil forward line boasted Kaká and Ronaldinho among their number.

'Unbelievable' day
"To make my debut at Wembley in front of that amount of people was unbelievable," Shorey, who was playing in the fourth tier of English football in 2001, told uefa.com. "When they played the national anthem, the hairs were standing up on the back of my neck for quite a while after but, once the whistle went, I was able to forget about all of that," Shorey added. "Obviously I was a bit nervous. I think it showed a couple of times in a few passes but apart from that you know I was quite happy with my performance. It is always good to try and start the game well and then you sort of go from that really. All the lads were really good with me and helped me through."

Estonia trip
Shorey is eager to keep his place for the trip to Estonia on Wednesday as England return to UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying knowing that victory is imperative if they are to move up from fourth place in Group E. Even if he does impress again, he is also aware that Cole and Bridge's return next season will force him to improve even more. "They are great left-backs and I can only learn off them," he said. "It is hard when you first come into a team to play exactly how you want to but I think it went not too bad [against Brazil] so we'll see."

Wedding day
The 26-year-old could also have been forgiven for being a little distracted by his marriage to fiancée Emily on Saturday, having been given special permission by England manager Steve McClaren to leave the squad late on Friday to tie the knot before returning to the team hotel today. "My wife has been very understanding," Shorey admitted with a smile before declaring that he would do all he could to "make it up to her" with a honeymoon to come in Mauritius.

'Big performance'
Now a happily married man, Shorey is fully focused. "Estonia is the big one," he said. "We have got to go there and put in another big performance like we did against Brazil." After that speculation is sure to grow about his future, with east London club West Ham United FC particularly linked although Shorey has always been committed to Reading. He said: "I was from that way when I was younger. People just sort of put two and two together and make five sometimes. Obviously people get linked to clubs all the time. It is not a bad thing. It is a compliment. I will see what happens but worry about Estonia first. That's the main thing, focus on that match and then get away on holiday and have a rest." Mr and Mrs Shorey have certainly earned it.