"It’s great to be called-up into the England squad again," Hogan says. "I am really looking forward to the competition. It is hugely important for all the lads in the squad to play well so that we do as well as we can in the Finals in Italy."

This season has seen Hogan in great form for the U17s and, with seven goals in 14 matches, he is the current top scorer in the squad.

Four of those goals came in a scintillating performance against Russia in the Pepsi Tournament in September and further goals against Sweden and Norway earlier in the season highlight the quality of the 17-year-old.

However, the striker is realistic as to the task that faces him and the rest of John Peacock’s squad as they look to win the European U17 Championship for the first time in its current format.

England’s record in this competition in recent years is excellent and, as UEFA’s top-ranked European side, confidence is high among the England camp, a confidence that the young Hammer shares.

"We have a lot of good players and I think we have the quality to make it through the group.

"Just the chance to play in the Finals is such a motivation for all the lads and we are all really looking forward to it."

International duty is nothing new to Hogan. Last season, he managed two goals in five U16 matches and, having gathered regular international experience over the past two years, he is in no doubt as to the importance of playing for England.

"International duty is a real bonus as all England games are massive. I feel really proud to pull on the shirt and I just hope we can do a good job."

Hogan is a First Year Scholar in the West Ham Academy and has already featured in the Hammers’ first team squad this season having impressed in the Reserve team and part of the reason for his success this term has been his continuing involvement within the England youth set-up.

Playing on the international stage gives young players not only the opportunity to learn different patterns of play but also the chance to develop new skills when training and playing with the other top players from across the county, something Hogan appreciates.

"There are so many players in our squad with great skills it’s unbelievable. Guys like Darryl [Knights], Joe [Garner] and Theo [Walcott] are all great attacking players and you can definitely learn off them.

"You can’t better the experience of playing for England and it helps my game in lots of ways."

Hogan Ephraim - England Factfile

Date of Birth: 31 March 1988
Place of Birth: London
Club: West Ham United FC
England U16: 5 matches, 2 goals
England U17: 14 matches, 7 goals

Hogan Ephraim - Video Vault

30 March 2005  
Goal v. Republic of Ireland