Wednesday 10 October 2018 12:14, UK
Jadon Sancho has admitted his inclusion in the senior England squad came as a surprise, despite his impressive form this season.
Sancho has shone in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund since making the switch from Manchester City last summer, and has made more assists than any other player in Europe's top six leagues this season.
Manager Gareth Southgate opted to include the 18-year-old in his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, meaning Sancho is the first player born this century to feature in an England squad.
Sancho admitted he could not stop smiling after receiving the call during training this week, but believes the pressure will not get to him.
"I was at training when I first got the call-up and straight away I called my parents. Obviously they were delighted for me and I couldn't stop smiling the whole day," Sancho told Sky Sports during his first England press conference.
"I was a bit surprised to be fair because obviously I'm so young, I've got a lot to learn, I'm just grateful he's seeing my progress in the Bundesliga and I'm just very thankful."
Sancho recently made his first senior start for Dortmund in the 4-3 win over Augsburg, in which he helped his team to the victory by picking up his sixth assist of the season.
The youngster admits he is enjoying a different life in Germany, and insists potential first-team opportunities were the motivation when opting to leave City and England.
"I like it a lot. Obviously the culture's different and the fans have so much passion for the game and obviously support me every week. It's a dream come true," Sancho added.
"From a young age I was moving away from home [from London to Manchester], so that's what made me take that step further to move outside of England.
"Obviously I can't just go down the road and see my friends [anymore] but again, what I want to do long term is be a professional footballer so you've got to do what you've got to do to make myself happy and obviously make my family happy.
"I was kind of surprised when they offered me [Ousmane Dembele's No 7 shirt] but I realised 'why not?'. I believe in myself so why not."
Sancho could be in line to make his first senior England appearance on Friday when the two sides meet in the UEFA Nations League, live on Sky Sports.
