The Wolves midfielder came on as a late substitute for the Young Lions in their final group game of the 2019 Euro Championships as England drew 3-3 with Croatia but is already dreaming of making that next step into the senior national team.
On disappointing 2019 Euro campaign
“We all know it wasn’t good enough at the tournament, but we live and we learn. The boys believed in ourselves and we had a month before of full training month and we were working so hard.
“To get to the tournament and to let down the way we did, I think it was due to frustration, but as a footballer you have to have belief in yourself to keep going and I think that’s why the boys were the way they are.
“The players who played in it will have it for the rest of their careers, but it’s a learning curve, so I am sure we’ll all bounce back stronger.
“The new group that we’ve got in now is young, hungry and talented. We had our first session yesterday and the boys were pretty strong and ready to get going.”
On aiming for the senior squad
“I mean it’s only an age group away now but it’s definitely a benchmark seeing that they can do it shows anyone can do it – with the pathway going through the system now it’s frightening.
“It’s always nice to hear good things about people speaking about you so highly but at some point you have to put yourself to one side and keep going and try and make people talk about you even more in a positive way.
“I’d love to be captain of this incredible, talented under-21s side, but I’m still working hard and whoever the manager decides we’ll be happy with.”
On position in the Wolves team
“Although I prefer to play in midfield, either box to box or more advanced, I can play in different positions. I’m a versatile player and the manager needed me in China to play in that forward role, so I was never going to turn down an opportunity to play.
“Learning from and such talented players in the likes of Moutinho, Coady and Jimenez is such an amazing experience. We learn every day off them.
“Joao (Moutinho) is frightening; just the way he is physically, the experience he brings to a game. He can come onto a pitch and control the game just by delaying or moving the ball. He’s excellent at the things he does.”
On Wolves’ busy schedule
“It’s been a tough start of season cycle, playing Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday games, but the main thing is to impress the manager as I want to get in that starting 11 every week.
“I think the boys have worked really hard and performances and results have shown. Everton was our first defeat of the season which I think is a positive.
“Obviously you can’t keep the same 11 for every single game, so it gives you the incentive to work harder, try and impress more. If you impress in the cup games, you’re a contender for the league games and that’s what you want – to play in the Premier League.
“That’s what you’ve got to do in these tough game cycles, just grit your teeth, work hard and get through it.”
On family support
“My Dad is everywhere – he’s never missed a game. He’ll fly out to Turkey and watch our game and then be there Monday in Hull and watching that game against Kosovo. He’s my number one fan and I wouldn’t be where I am without him today.
“I’m living at home until I’m 26! It’s easy coming home from training, food’s cooked, washing’s done, and they don’t mind having me around – I think I’m good company.”
