Global Pinoy: Phil Younghusband feels more Pinoy than British

He may have a distinct British accent but the Azkals football team's Phil Younghusband — dubbed the Philippines' David Beckham — said he feels more Filipino than British.   In an article on the news site Gulf News, Younghusband said: "I call myself Filipino, not English, despite being born in England."  Growing up in England, Younghusband said he looked up to "Beckham, Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne and my ambition was to play for England." "I supported Man United, loved Eric Cantona and David Beckham and watched my dad's team, Wimbledon. But I'm very proud to have Filipino blood and I'm proud to represent the Philippines," the 24-year-old Younghusband told Gulf News. Younghusband said in his values and traditions, he was very much Filipino.   The Azkals team is in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to train for the "AFC Challenge Cup" in Kathmandu, Nepal, from March 8 to 19.   While in Dubai, the Azkals will play against the following teams at the Al Nasr Club in Oud Metha, Dubai:

• Uzbekistan U23's on February 11, and
• the Australian U23's on February 16.

On the other hand, in Doha, Qatar on February 13, the Azkals will take on the Al Ahli team. Asked about the Philippine national team's chances at the "AFC Challenge Cup," Younghusband said there had been much buzz around football in the Philippines since they played in the Suzuki Cup.   He explained that "we're expected to win, but there's still a long way to go."   'Extra-curricular activities'   When Gulf News asked if show business was getting in the way of his game, Younghusband said showbusiness  is "not going to overtake the game." He explained that "extra-curricular activities" like modelling are ways to support their families.   "The management keeps us grounded and we make sure football is the priority," Younghusband said.   Football in the Philippines   Younghusband said: "Football isn't as developed in the Philippines as it is elsewhere." He admitted the Philippine football league is not yet at the standard to compete internationally. Younghusband said the Philippine national team or the Azkals still needs European-based players or those with Filipino blood who play abroad to do well in international competitions. However, he cited how many of the Azkals members have to fly in from Europe just before their matches, making it "difficult to gel." "We're still adjusting, but whenever we've had our best players together we've competed against good teams," Younghusband said.   Meanwhile, Younghusband who has some hamstring issues, said: "I'm going to use these next few weeks in Dubai to intensify training. I don't feel 100 percent but hopefully by the time the Challenge Cup comes we'll all be ready." - VVP, GMA News