Liverpool striker Danny Ings is determined to use his England call-up to stake a claim for next summer’s European Championships in France.
The former Burnley frontman was rewarded for the fine start to his Reds career when he was named in Roy Hodgson’s 24-man squad for the qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.
Ings, who has been a regular for England Under-21s over the past two years, was due to spend some time off this week fishing with his dad in Southampton but that trip has been cancelled as he heads for St George’s Park instead.
“I didn’t expect to the get the call-up whatsoever and that was the best part about it,” Ings said.
“It’s every boy’s dream and now that I have got the call, I want to build on it and progress again.
“I was planning on visiting family back home but this is another massive moment in my career and another marginal gain.
“I have spoken to Roy a few times and he seems like a really top manager. I can’t wait to work with him and the rest of the staff.
“Things like this give me great confidence moving forward. It is something I am going to build on, go there and enjoy it with top players.
“It will be difficult getting in the squad for the Euros but that is what you go for. It is an opportunity. I have got that call and I now need to improve every day to be around it for as long as I can.”