YOUNG LIONS ... Phil Jones alongside fellow England rookies Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck yesterday

PHIL JONES looked completely dumbfounded when asked about the fear factor of playing football for England.

It is something which still concerns Fabio Capello, particularly at Wembley.

But the hope is Young Lions — led by the Manchester United star — can perform with a fresh confidence, unburdened by the baggage of previous failures.

For Jones, it is not an issue. Even against the world champions.

In a week where the FA battled with FIFA so the team can wear a poppy to remember all those who died in war, worrying about such trivialities as a game of football is incomprehensible to Jones.

He said: "On Saturday we are wearing poppies on our armbands to pay respects to those who lost their lives.

"It is just a massive honour and 100 per cent that puts my job into perspective. When you think about those who have lost their lives for our country, playing football doesn't come into that category.

"I love playing football, I love what I am doing. What have I got to worry about? I am competing against the best players in the Premier League and all over the world.

"Playing for Manchester United and England there is pressure every single game you play, whether it is a friendly or whatever.

"But if it doesn't go well I would go back to my club, work hard and get back in. I don't fear the game."

It is sobering to learn that Jones, 19, cannot recall such a relatively recent failure as England's elimination from the group stage at Euro 2000.

His first Three Lions memories are of the World Cup in 2002 — and even then they are a little hazy because he was a 10-year-old at St Paul's primary school in Lostock Hall on the outskirts of Preston. He said: "Was that when Ronaldinho chipped Seaman? I watched the first half at home and then I went to school.

"When I got there, I thought 'I can't miss the second half. So I had my breakfast and sat down and watched the rest of the game.

"When that goal went in and the final whistle went, everyone was in tears. That's how much it means.

"That's why I understand when I'm playing for England what it means to those who support England."

Jones has adapted so quickly to life at United since his £16.5million summer move from Blackburn, he has been hailed the new Duncan Edwards — the young genius killed following the 1958 Munich air disaster who is such a revered figure at Old Trafford.

Jones added: "It is fantastic to be mentioned in the same category as a player like that. But I just concentrate on my football.

"When you play for a club like United and for England you are in the limelight all the time.

"You have to be able to deal with that in the right way. I think I do that — I let my football do the talking and hopefully my performances show I am good enough to be in the England side."

Not only is he good enough, boss Capello predicts he is a future captain of his country.

Jones added: "When I was growing up, I just dreamed of playing at the highest level that I could and, wherever that takes me, so be it.

"For the manager to say that is a brilliant feeling, but I just have to keep performing well for club and country and hopefully I can get there one day."

Capello will hand Jones only his second cap against Spain tomorrow and had been leaning towards playing him in a central-midfield role in a bid to combat Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

But it seems the versatile Jones may now play in John Terry's place in the middle of defence at Wembley — especially as Everton's Phil Jagielka is doubtful with a fractured toe.

Jagielka missed training yesterday and would require a pain-killing injection to allow him to play.

Jones has already lined up in the middle, in midfield and at right-back for United this season.

He said: "Centre-back is my more natural position. That is what United signed me as and it is where I grew up playing.

"But I think I am more than adequate at right-back and central midfield as well. I played in midfield for Blackburn for a full season so I know where to be."

Jones has learned from England skipper Terry and Old Trafford team-mate Rio Ferdinand — who he is threatening to replace at United and whose spot he has also taken in this England squad.

He added: "I admire the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and all the centre-backs who have come through with England. It's their quality, class, presence, and the way they rub off on the other players.

"The pair of them have helped me about positional and technical things. John has helped me in my times with England and Rio has done the same at club level.

"Rio is brilliant with me. We still have the same banter in training and stuff like that. He is a fantastic player."

The bad news for Rio is that Jones is also a fantastic player.

And the good news for Manchester United and England is that there is now a player of such quality who can justify stepping into his boots.