Eddie Nketiah has “notes on his phone” to learn from Harry Kane as he aims to prove he belongs at the “pinnacle” with England ahead of Euro 2024.
The 24-year-old is increasingly establishing himself at Arsenal, which led to Gareth Southgate including him in the Three Lions’ squad for the September internationals.
Nketiah has started three of the Gunners’s first four matches this season and scored twice to join Harry Kane and Callum Wilson in competition for a place up front.
Speaking ahead of a potential debut against Ukraine, Nketiah revealed his emotions upon receiving his first call up.
He said: “I don’t think I said much. I was just looking at my phone just checking every detail to make sure it said ‘selected’. It was really nice.
“I was at home and thankfully all my family were as well at my house and one of my mates as well. When I got the text it was surreal.
“I am usually a calm guy but I did lose a little bit of composure for 10 seconds or so it was amazing. My family were really emotional as well.
“It has been a long journey and I have worked really hard to get up to this point so it was really nice to have that step. This is the pinnacle for an England player to get called up by the senior team. Once you are here the aim is to stay here.”
Asked about his first impressions of Kane, he admitted he wants to learn from the England captain and joked he is glad he left Tottenham to dampen down the rivalry.
Nketiah said: “I think it makes the conversation a little bit easier [now that he has left Spurs].
“I might have a few notes in my phone [to ask him]! He is a world class striker. Today was my first session so I’m sure I’ll be in his ear all week - getting tips and learning, I think that’s another great opportunity to come away learn and and improve yourself and see what other top strikers do, how they prepare for games.”
