Chris Smalling

Early career

Born in Greenwich, London, Smalling started playing football at the age of nine for Walderslade Boys. After failing to settle at any football league academy, Smalling opted to continue his education at Chatham Grammar School for Boys. Whilst studying for his A Levels, Smalling was selected to represent his county (Kent), and the Kent Schools' Football Association then nominated him for trials for the English Schools' Football Association's Under 18 international squad. He was selected to represent the ESFA in the programme of fixtures in the Centenary Shield, including the game against Scotland Schools at Wembley in April 2008.

Whilst still at school he played for Isthmian League side Maidstone United. At the age of 17, Smalling made his competitive debut for 'The Stones', starting against Canvey Island in theIsthmian League Cup. Two months later he made his league debut, playing the whole match in a 2–1 loss against Heybridge Swifts. Smalling went on to play eleven more times for Maidstone, his final appearance coming in a 4–2 win at East Thurrock United, a game in which he scored his only senior goal for the club.

Fulham

In June 2008 Smalling signed for Premier League side Fulham. He was made captain of the club's Development Squad by manager Billy McKinlay. On 24 May 2009, Smalling made his Premier League debut for Fulham, replacing Aaron Hughes in the 77th minute in the final game of the 2008–09 season, a 2–0 home loss to Everton. Smalling made his first start for Fulham in on 17 September 2009, in an away tie with CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Europa League with the match ending 1–1. On 28 December 2009, Smalling made his first league start for Fulham, in a 2–1 loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Fulham's final game of 2009. Smalling scored a decisive own goal in the 75th minute of the match.

Manchester United

On 26 January 2010, Manchester United announced that they had signed Smalling, with the player staying at Fulham for the remainder of the 2009–10 season before joining United for 2010–11.

International career

Smalling made his debut for the England under-20 team in April 2009, playing 45 minutes against Italy at Loftus Road. On 11 August 2009, four months after his under-20 debut, he made his Under-21 debut in a friendly fixture against the Netherlands, coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute of a 0–0 away draw. On 14 December 2009, Smalling made first start for the Under-21s in a 2011 U21 European Championship qualifier against Portugal at Wembley Stadium in a 1–0 win. Smalling appeared against Greece in England's 2–1 loss in Doncaster; his mistake led to Greece's second goal.