Muamba has insisted that the only way to make up for England's thrashing by Germany in the Under-21 European Championships final in 2009 would be to win the trophy next summer. The Trotters star played in the side that was demolished 4-0 by a dazzling Germany side, including Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Jerome Boateng, who all played in their 4-1 hammering of the senior side during this summer's World Cup. England were without key players Joe Hart, Fraizer Campbell and Gabby Agbonlahor, but Muamba believes that the best team lost and their experience will allow them to kick on. The Three Lions qualified for the 2011 finals on Tuesday by beating Romania in a play-off, with the tournament being staged in Denmark next June. "The main goal for this tournament is to make sure we bring the trophy home," said Muamba, after their goalless draw in Botosani gave them a 2-1 win on aggregate to qualify. "When I look back, that team had so many talented players, including James Milner, Adam Johnson, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott, who are playing in the Premier League. Those that have stayed in the team, such as me, Michael Mancienne and the other boys, we know exactly what it's all about. "We were a very good team and deserved to win the tournament." Germany will not be among the names in the draw following a surprise failure to qualify, with their golden generation of youngsters having made the step up to the senior side. France, Italy, Portugal and Serbia also failed to make the cut, leaving Spain as the only real name to fear next summer. Muamba stands to become England's second most capped player at this level, behind Milner, should he make the squad next year, but he was also eager to follow his former team-mate into the senior party. "I protect the back four and break up the play. I just do my best job for the team," he added. "If I keep performing and the team keep performing, you never know what might follow."
