Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi has praised the influence of fellow promising England talent Jadon Sancho.
The winger scored his first goal for the Stamford Bridge side in a Europa League game in November and became the youngest ever player to appear in a competitive match for England last week.
He came on as a 70th-minute substitute for Raheem Sterling and played a part in one of the goals as England won 5-0 against the Czech Republic.
England’s Raheem Sterling was substituted after scoring a hat-trick (Steven Paston/PA)
The 18-year-old told reporters of the influence of Sancho, and how they had both helped each other progress.
He said: “We have known each other since we were very young.
“We used to play against each other and we were always close friends.
“No matter whether it was Chelsea against Watford, where we used to play against each other.
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“We have always talked to each other off the pitch, called each other, speak to each other, see how the other one is going and he has had a great season.
“Since I have been here with England, he has helped me from day one, always made me feel comfortable and confident.
“Having a friend like that is amazing, just to bring you into the team and help yourself and be yourself. It is amazing.”
England’s Jadon Sancho (Nick Potts/PA)
Sancho, also 18, played for Watford and Manchester City as a youth and made his England debut at Wembley.
He has become a regular for Borussia Dortmund this season, scoring eight goals in 26 league appearances.
The pair have not changed their playing style since their younger days, Hudson-Odoi said.
He told reporters: “We have both been playing as we did on the street, that’s just how we play. We have been playing as we did in the park and cages.
“We have that raw mentality just to go at defenders. Be confident, be yourself, don’t be shy in front of anyone.
“That’s great that we have the confidence and ability to do that.”
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