‘I’m a lot more mature’- Tottenham Striker who rejected Super Eagles speaks after England call-up

‘I’m a lot more mature’- Tottenham Striker who rejected Super Eagles speaks after England call-up

Hassan Abdulsalam 11:31 - 09.10.2024

Solanke is included in the England squad for the first time since his only cap in 2017 with Liverpool, after turning down the Super Eagles.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has received a long-awaited call-up to the England national team for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Finland.

This is Solanke's first inclusion in the England squad since his solitary cap in 2017 while at Liverpool after rejecting the Super Eagles.

Solanke rejects Super Eagles

The England-born striker was born in Reading, Berkshire, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an English mother.

Several reports suggest that Solanke had previously been a target for the Nigerian Football Federation, and he reportedly declined to represent the Super Eagles in the past.

Solanke receives England call-up for the first time in 7 years

His impressive performances for Bournemouth and his continued success at Tottenham have earned him a place in the England team.

England interim manager Lee Carsley expressed his admiration for Solanke's attributes and explained his decision to include him in the squad.

"He was really close to being in the last squad but got injured just before selection. He did so well at Bournemouth and now he's taken that form into Spurs. He's got a lot of really good attributes that I really like," Carsley said

Meanwhile, Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, Tottenham playmaker James Maddison, and Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze have been left out of the squad.

Kyle Walker has been reinstated to the team after missing Carsley's initial squad, while Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham returns after an injury absence in September.

Carsley has made a positive start to his tenure as interim manager, leading England to victories over Finland and the Republic of Ireland.

Solanke reflects on growth and development as a player

Solanke acknowledges that he has matured and he has worked hard to improve his skills.

He confirmed that his dream of representing England remains strong, and he is hopeful for playing time as he expresses his gratitude and excitement for being included in the squad.

"I'm a lot more mature, I've done a lot of learning and developing. My dream is to represent the country, and hopefully, I get some minutes. I'm just happy to get into the team," he told Sky Sports.

The Three Lions will host Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10th before travelling to Helsinki to face Finland on October 13th.

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