'It's taken a lot of hard work - but it's great to be back'

Monday 30 Mar 2015
Spurs and England Under-18s man Luke Amos at St. George's Park
Tottenham Hotspur’s Luke Amos is relieved to be back in the international fold following a three-year absence from England duty.

The midfielder helped Neil Dewsnip’s Under-18s squad beat Switzerland 6-1 at Walsall’s Banks’ Stadium on Saturday to cap a memorable return to the Three Lions’ setup.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, the 18-year-old said: “It feels good to be back. I was involved in the Victory Shield when we beat Northern Ireland 5-0 back in 2012.

“But even though that was great, on Saturday, I was playing my more natural role – holding midfield – and I really enjoyed it.

'This group wants people to fear playing England and what we can do'

Luke Amos

“There were a few of these lads in that squad back in 2012. Adam Armstrong was there, Josh Onomah, Max Lowe and I think Dominic Solanke was there too and a lot of people have changed since then.

“When I last played I was an attacking midfielder, now I’m more defensive. I think Dom was a winger then, now he is a big No9. I suppose you could say it’s been good to renew acquaintances.”

The second-year academy scholar says it has taken a lot of effort to earn a recall back into the international fold, but after a good season for Tottenham’s U18s side, he was delighted to get the call from his country.

“I wasn’t even thinking about it. My main aim was to play well for Spurs and impress all of my coaches there,” he said.

“But when I got the call to say I was going to be involved with England again I was delighted.

“I was injured quite a lot last season and I never felt that I got into my rhythm. I didn’t do enough really to impress my coach and I wasn’t starting regularly.

“But from the beginning of pre-season this year I promised myself that I would give it 110 per cent, and I’ve worked really hard to improve on my weaknesses.

Luke Amos featured for Spurs in The FA Youth Cup Semi-Final

Luke Amos featured for Spurs in The FA Youth Cup Semi-Final

“I feel I have developed this campaign. It’s been really hard work and I’m just glad to have been given the opportunity to come back away with England again.”

And the youngster chose the perfect game to pull on an England shirt again as he and his team-mates blew the Swiss away.

Amos added: “It was a great match. I’m a bit gutted we didn’t get the clean sheet as that is in my part of the pitch, but I’m pleased with how I performed.

“I was also really pleased to see my club-mates Kyle and Josh play well too, as did everyone else as a group. We wanted to make a statement and a 6-1 scoreline will hopefully make people across Europe sit up and take notice of England.

“Especially with next year’s Euros coming up at U19 level, this group wants people to fear playing England and what we can do.”

With one more international break in June before the summer, Amos says he is under no illusions of what he needs to do to maintain his presence in the Young Lions fold.

“This was a good start and I’d be honoured to get another opportunity for my country. I know what I need to do, I’ll be going back to Spurs and continuing to work really hard to ensure we end the season well.

“Hopefully that will be enough to impress Neil and earn a call-up for next time.”

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer