Calum Chambers has helped England U21s keep two clean sheets in three games at Euro 2017

England U21 defender Calum Chambers insists he will be returning for Arsenal's pre-season "on another level".

The 22-year-old centre-back impressed while on loan at Middlesbrough last season, despite their relegation from the Premier League, and has continued his good form for Aidy Boothroyd's Young Lions at Euro 2017.

Cambers, preferred to Arsenal's Rob Holding in the heart of the England U21s defence, has helped keep two clean sheets in three games at the tournament in Poland to set up a semi-final with Germany on Tuesday, and believes his experiences have made him ready to make a mark for the Gunners.

"This season has been so important for me, playing games as a centre-back," he said. "The experience I have gained in that position just from playing is so valuable to me. I just feel it's just pushed me on another level.

"I want to have a good tournament anyway and I'm focusing on here. If I have a good tournament it's great and I'll be going back to Arsenal for pre-season and doing the best I can and seeing what happens.

Highlights of England’s Euro U21 Championship match against Poland Highlights of England’s Euro U21 Championship match against Poland

"It's been a very good season for me. I gave absolutely everything to try to get results and keep Middlesbrough in the Premier League. Unfortunately I couldn't do that and I was gutted.

"We have to see what happens. I'm an Arsenal player and I'll be going back in for pre-season and concentrating on that but at the moment my focus is on England and beating Germany."

Chambers picked out Per Mertesacker as his mentor at Arsenal

Chambers has revealed it is the advice of German World Cup winner and Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker which has helped him raise his performances.

"The one player who has helped me a lot would be Per," said Chambers. "Being in the same position, he was almost like my mentor for a couple of years. I have never seen a player so professional and dedicated.

"Every little thing he could do he did. There were times when he would be looking at me and saying 'you could do this' and that's rubbed off.

"That's helped me realise the little things you do, the tiny little one or two per cents, get you where you want to be."