Conor Gallagher has set his sights on the World Cup after making his first England start against Switzerland.
The Chelsea midfielder, who is on loan at Crystal Palace, produced a stand-out performance in the 2-1 friendly win at Wembley.
He will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Thomas Tuchel planning to include him in his first-team squad next season.
If he can force his way past N’Golo Kante and Jorginho at Chelsea, it will significantly boost his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar. And he has made it clear he hopes to cement his place.
“That would be amazing, but that’s still a few months away,” he said. “I need to focus on my football and take each game as it comes.
“Hopefully if I do well enough, impress the manager enough, then I will get a shot.
“I have only played two games. It is not too different to the Premier League. The level is so high playing for England or in the Premier League.
“The role I played today is very similar to what I have been playing all season. I think the manager did that on purpose. I felt comfortable and I was happy playing today.”
Gallagher has forced his way into the international frame after his outstanding performances for Palace this season.
It was his cross that provided the first half equaliser for Luke Shaw after Breel Embolo had fired Switzerland in front. Harry Kane’s second half penalty secured the win.
Gallagher added: “It gives me a lot of confidence (playing for England). I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the call-up or not. I am really happy I did and it is great that the gaffer has shown trust in me.
“All I need to do is keep performing for Palace and for England. I need to keep trying to work hard.
“I was a little bit nervous but not too much. I was just excited to be honest, I was trying to take it all in and do the best I could.
“I was trying to do what I am best at - trying to press and win the ball back and trying to create chances. I felt like we could have done better in the first half but the game opened up in the second and I think overall it was a good performance.
“It was great to play alongside Hendo [Jordan Henderson] - he’s obviously a great leader and he was talking to me the whole time and gave me that licence to go and push forward and make the box and press when I could. It definitely suited me.”
But Southgate insisted the midfielder’s performance was not without fault.
“He is infectious with his energy,” said the England manager. “But I thought he could be a bit tidier with the ball.
“He can set the tone for the rest of the team, you see that with his club and he presses with ambition. He goes and makes contract and turns a lot of the ball over.”
