Morgan Rogers says he has “surprised” himself at times this season after receiving his first senior call-up to the England team.
The Aston Villa midfielder was not in interim manager Lee Carsley’s initial squad but received a late call-up on Monday after eight players withdrew from international duty.
Rogers will now be in contention to make his Three Lions debut when England face Greece on 14 November and the Republic of Ireland on 17 November.
“You can kind of hear the rumours [about a call-up]. I’m just focused on my football. I’m enjoying it and think I’m playing really well. I think there’s more to do and improve on,” the 22-year-old told a pre-match news conference.
“You don’t want to think too far ahead of the next game and take it for what it is. I’m thankful and grateful that I’m here now.
“I just try and push myself every day and see what new levels I can get to do. I have probably surprised myself at times [but] I have always believed I can get to this level and maintain it.”
Rogers has impressed since joining Villa in the January transfer window, playing in every Premier League and Champions League game this campaign. So far, he has scored three goals and provided three assists.
Asked about the impact boss Unai Emery has had on him, Rogers said: “Not just me but any player would say that trust from any manager is a big thing and he gave me that.
“From minute one he threw me in at the deep end. He gave me the chance to shine and develop. He was on top of me to get that to that level and maintain that level.
“You know that he is there for you and he is always going to push you. It gives you that extra something from within.”