Dale starlet Adshead in England U18 call-up for Spanish trip
DANIEL Adshead has joined up with the England Under-18s squad becoming the first Rochdale player since 2002 to receive a call-up to the Three Lions.
The 17-year-old is part of a squad which also includes City’s Nathaniel Ogbeta and United’s Mason Greenwood.
The Young Lions are in Spain for a Four Nations tournament where they play the Netherlands on Thursday, the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and Belgium on Monday.
Adshead said he was speechless on receiving the call-up, adding: “I’ve been working really hard to get this opportunity so I’m really looking forward to it.”
England U18s coach Neil Dewsnip said: “It’s a great chance for him to show what he can do, hopefully perform well and start his junior international career.”
A product of Rochdale’s academy, Adshead joined the club at just eight-years-old and became Rochdale’s youngest first-team debutant at 16 years and 17 days.
Rochdale manager Keith Hill said: “It’s a great call-up for him. It’s one that I have been championing for a while because we know what he’s all about.
“He’s ambitious, he’s always asking questions – he’s never afraid to express himself in a footballing environment and never tries to shy away from the responsibility.”
Adshead has made 14 firstteam appearances for Rochdale so far and Hill believes there is much more to come from the youngster.
“It’s only the start for Dan and he will make an impact at this football club. I also believe that he can definitely play in the Premier League.”