Hudson-odoi targets U-21 and Nations League finals
Callum Hudson-odoi is hoping to play in both the Uefa Nations League finals and the European Under-21 Championship this summer.
Despite featuring in only six Premier League matches for Chelsea this season, Hudson-odoi could become one of the club’s busiest players this summer after Aidy Boothroyd, the under-21s’ manager, insisted he remained in his plans for Euro 2019.
The Uefa Nations League final – in which the England senior side will feature if they beat Holland – is just seven days before the start of the under-21 tournament.
However, the 18-year-old, who could make his second appearance for Gareth Southgate’s side tonight from the bench against Montenegro, indicated he would compete for a place in both sides.
“I always have the same mentality no matter the age group,” he said. “I’m not going to change because I’ve had one game with the first team. I’m still going to go over there, be humble, be the same way, work hard and, hopefully, if I go there, I’ll keep being confident and keep being myself.”
The Chelsea playmaker has been linked with other clubs this season – most recently Manchester United – after failing to win a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge. His deal runs out in the summer of next year. However, having impressed for England during a brief cameo appearance against the Czech Republic on Friday, he said he was happy with his career progress.
“I’m not impatient,” he said. “I’m always keen to play, I love the game. But at times you’ve got to be patient and wait for your chance.”
Hudson-odoi said it was “absolutely crazy” to make his England debut on the same pitch as Jadon Sancho, who turns 19 today. The pair grew up in south London and were regular opponents at schoolboy level and then when the Chelsea and Watford academy sides met.
“We’ve known each other since very young,” Hudson-odoi said. “We used to play against each other and have always been close friends. We’d always call each other, see how each other is going. He’s had a great season and since I’ve been here he’s helped me.”
Both played without fear on Friday, having been told by Southgate to express themselves in the same way as they have for their clubs. “From young, I’ve been the same way, so has he; we’ve been playing on the streets and that’s how we play. We have that raw mentality, don’t be shy of no one.”