One cap was enough for Derek Mountfield

But former Wolves defender Derek Mountfield can – and he believes that his former stomping ground at Molineux is the ideal place for Gareth Southgate's Young Lions to take their first step to Euro glory against Croatia on Friday.

Fresh from winning the FA Cup with Everton in 1984, the centre-half was called into Dave Sexton's England Under-21 squad for the European Championship final second-leg against Spain.

Having led 1-0 from the first-leg in Seville thanks to a Mel Sterland goal, Mountfield was thrust into action at Bramall Lane as Mark Hateley and Howard Gayle sealed a 2-0 win on the night – securing the trophy for the Young Lions.

"It was a late call-up. Myself and Gary Stevens had just played the final on the Saturday, and we got the call on the Monday to get our gear and get down to Sheffield – which we duly did," said Mountfield, now 51.

"I didn't expect to play, but I got a chance and it was brilliant. I don't remember that much about the game, but I look at the team we had and there were some very good players.

"Some went on to feature regularly for the senior side, others just occasionally. It was my first England call-up, and I loved the atmosphere and occasion.

"It was massive to represent my country - it was great to be a part of that team it was a proud night."

Southgate's side host Croatia at Wolves' home on Friday in the first-leg of their European Championship qualifier.

Mountfield, who twice won the old First Division with Everton before spells at Villa and Carlisle bookending his time at Wolves, believes Molineux will be the perfect place for England to prosper.

"I was there when the redevelopment started at Molineux with the three new stands," he said.

"It was a bit ramshackle - the old Waterloo Road Stand was getting knocked down and we had to change while rain was dripping through the ceiling and there were puddles everywhere – but now they have a great stadium and they're a great set of fans there.

"That sort of stadium is perfect for our Under-21s to play and perform at.

"It has all the facilities, and is all set up for international football.

"I just hope the lads can win it and progress on to the finals."

The success Mountfield was a part of 30 years ago was the last accolade won by the England Under-21s.

And although he admits he feels privileged to be one of the few to have won with England, he wants to see more youngsters developing their game in that age group so the Three Lions can conquer in the future.

"It does feel quite strange. You look at the players that have come through the youth ranks, it's amazing we haven't done better in any of these competitions since then," said Mountfield, who played 91 games for Wolves between 1991-94.

"It seems strange we haven't replicated that feat.

"We have great players in this country, and we need to make sure we help them go on to earn full international caps.

"I only played one game, albeit a big one, but I'd have loved to have been around England teams more."