Callum Hudson-Odoi has been called up to the England senior squad from the Under-21s following an injury to Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but can the youngster now go on to make a real impact with the Three Lions?
The 18-year-old winger has yet to start for Chelsea in the Premier League this season after manager Maurizio Sarri claimed that
No doubt the senior call-up is one of the biggest moments of his short career so far, but how has the teenager performed this season?
In the current Premier League campaign Hudson-Odoi has been afforded little opportunity, having not started a single match for the Blues despite their poor season. Sitting in sixth position, Sarri has not given him a proper chance to show his ability in Chelsea's
Bayern are planning a £300m overhaul of players in the summer with Hudson-Odoi still a priority!
— 90min (@90min_Football) 17 March 2019
Will he go? 樂 https://t.co/l88NE4DorQ
However, the young English star has shone in Chelsea's Europa League campaign, impressing consistently as the tournament has progressed.
If the winger makes his debut he will become the eighth youngest player to represent the Three Lions and must handle the pressure that comes with it. However, the youngster showed his maturity when he responded to what was required of him following the call-up.
"It's been a crazy day..."
— England (@England) 18 March 2019
Congratulations on your first #ThreeLions call-up, Callum Hudson-Odoi!
"Now I've got to work hard, enjoy every moment and keep working to just hopefully make an impact when I get the opportunity," he said, speaking to Sky Sports.
England are set to host the Czech Republic before travelling to Montenegro three days later for the opening of the Euro 2020 qualifying matches. Should Hudson-Odoi get the opportunity to play, fans and Southgate will be expecting to see his skilful dribbling and pace help the team as he links up with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford.
BREAKING: Sky sources: @ChelseaFC concerned and disappointed about the team’s performances this season. Senior figures at Chelsea have held discussions about Maurizio Sarri’s future. #SSN pic.twitter.com/wtLCCwmchi
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) 18 March 2019
If the youngster does go on to make a big statement at such a young age, not only will it heap more praise on Southgate but it will be another thing Sarri has got wrong in his first season.
What will trouble Sarri even more is that a top performance from the teenager could even force the Chelsea board's hand in dismissing the Italian manager, amidst their current review of the Blues' season.
Source : 90min