Euros are in sights
DOM EYEING MASSIVE TARGET
BOURNEMOUTH striker Dominic Solanke has his eyes on gatecrashing the England squad for next summer’s Euros.
Gareth Southgate handed Solanke his only England cap in the friendly against Brazil in 2017 and is known to be a big admirer of the Cherries frontman.
Solanke said: “Everyone wants to play for their country.
“It is something that you dream of from being a kid and something I definitely feel I can do.
“Especially at the moment with Gareth as manager, I think the door is open for whoever is doing well.
“In every squad announcement there is always a new face. When I get a few more goals and go on a good run, the door is definitely there.
“I think I can do it and it will be something I push for.
“I know Callum Wilson from when he was here. He is a great striker and has been in and around the England squad for the last few years.
“It would be good to get there as well.” Solanke, 26, admits he struggled to deal with criticism in his younger days at Chelsea and Liverpool but says he is now much more mentally tough.
Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Brighton, he added: “It was quite difficult back in the day.
“Obviously when you’re young and trying to break through everyone judges you so early but now I have been playing a few years and got quite a few goals behind me.
“In my mind I know I can score so that definitely helps, but I like to do other stuff on the pitch as well.
“From when I was young that has always been my game, I’ve always liked to link up play so I don’t really think that’s changed too much.
“I’m at that point in my career where on the pitch I am growing and improving all the time and I probably feel the best mentally I have felt in my career as well.
“There is definitely more to come.”