AFC Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook became the first Cherries player in history to represent England on Tuesday night.
Having been called up to the squad for the two international friendlies against Netherlands and Italy, Cook took a watching brief for the first game, but got his moment for the final 20 minutes at Wembley against Italy.
Delighted and honoured to make my @England debut last night at Wembley. Thankyou for all your support.. dream come true ???????????? pic.twitter.com/2HjzkalkAI
? Lewis Cook (@lewiscook_) 28 March 2018
Cook featured in a three man midfield and appeared to slot in seamlessly alongside his more established England international teammates.
He now returns to Eddie Howe’s AFC Bournemouth squad in a bid to push on towards the final run in of the Premier League season and if he impresses, he could well make England manager Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
Cook told afcb.co.uk…
‘…From a club point of view, being the first person it`s a great achievement so thank you to them for helping me get there…’
‘…I spoke to Gareth Southgate briefly afterwards and I said thank you for the opportunity, he told me well done and that was all really, nothing about the future…’
‘…They’re two massive games in the build up to the World Cup, it helps set the tone for the competition so they are big games.
‘I have to focus on my club at the moment before I can even think about being in the World Cup squad, but I really enjoyed the camp. If I’m doing well then you never know what could happen.’
Your Say…
paul49 wrote…
Was there with my son and witnessed the historic AFCB moment. Southgate had his arm around Lewis for sometime whilst he was waiting to come on. To my mind a more defensive wide left midfield is not Lewis’s natural position but having already brought Henderson and Lallana on there wasn’t much choice left.
Lewis did ok and put in a great ball for Rashford. Dier played in front of the back three for most if the game so I see Lewis more as cover for injuries to Henderson and Wilshere.
Just as at AFCB Lewis will have to bide his time for the right role to come along. – Join the conversation here.
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