Sheffield Wednesday: Pudil hoping third time will be a charm for Euros

Daniel Pudil is hoping it will be third time lucky for him when it comes to the European Championship.
Daniel PudilDaniel Pudil
Daniel Pudil

The Sheffield Wednesday defender missed out on both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 so is desperate to be part of the Czech Republic squad for this summer’s tournament in France.

After sporadic appearances for his country over the last few years, Pudil was brought back into the squad for the friendlies with Serbia and Poland in November.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With warm-up games against Scotland and Sweden planned for next month, the 30-year-old’s fingers are crossed for another call-up.

And he knows performing with Wednesday will give him his best chance of selection.

“I am putting everything into playing for Wednesday so hopefully I will be in the squad for those two games,” he said.

“Probably, if I am in that squad, then there’s a big chance I will be involved at Euro 2016.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am looking forward to that because I missed two Euros in years before, so I want to be there for the first time in my life.”

A broken hand put paid to Pudil’s hopes of making Euro 2008 and he was out of favour for the following Championship.

He admits this may be his last chance to represent his country in a major tournament.

Pudil said: “You cannot stop the years. I am getting older, 30 now, and maybe this is my last chance to be at the Euros and achieve something with the Czech team.”