Raheem Sterling says he wants to help "make the nation proud" during this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Liverpool winger has played himself into contention for a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad over the last few months, catching the eye as the Anfield club mount a title challenge in the Premier League.
And after a man-of-the-match display in the win over Denmark at Wembley earlier this month, the 19-year-old is hoping he managed to impress the Three Lions boss.
Sterling in action for England Under-21s earlier this season
"He has seen me play and I think he likes the way I play," said Sterling.
"I'm grateful he's the manager of England, he gives me good motivation to do well.
"He puts his arm around me and gives me little things I can do better at."
Hodgson was already aware of Sterling’s talents long before he took on the England job, having seen him at close quarters when in charge of Liverpool.
Sterling had joined the Reds from Queens Park Rangers as a precocious teenage talent in 2010, having grown up learning his trade just a goal-kick away from Wembley Stadium.
And having featured for England at U16, U17, U19 and Under-21 level, including an U17 World Cup in 2011, before stepping up into the senior squad, Sterling admits it’s still a strange sensation to see his old haunts from a seat on the Three Lions coach.
Watch highlights of England's win over Denmark at Wembley
"I was looking at the sights thinking: 'I used to play there a couple of years back and now I'm on the coach with the England team'," he told BBC Sport.
"Growing up you watch players like Ronaldinho playing in World Cups, doing the business and you idolise these people.
"To then get called up by England for a World Cup? I don't think there'd be a greater feeling, knowing you could help make the nation proud."
England are back at Wembley on Friday 30 May when they face Peru in their final home game before travelling for the World Cup. Tickets are on sale now by clicking here.
