John Swift admits his recent England Under-21s debut came as a surprise.
The Chelsea youngster, currently on loan with their west London neighbours Brentford, was a late call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for their Euro Qualifiers with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Switzerland.
Previously capped by England at all levels from Under-16s to Under-20s, Swift was drafted into the squad following a number of injury worries ahead of the crucial double-header.
And after quickly settling into the new group, the 20-year-old made his U21s debut from the start in the 3-1 win against the Swiss at Brighton’s Amex Stadium.
"It was a last-minute call from Gareth," he revealed. "In the first game I wasn’t involved, but it’s not like I can complain because I have got great players in front of me.
John Swift settled quickly into the Under-21s squad following his first call-up this month
"It’s just good to be involved and I was actually a bit surprised to start but I’m loving my football at the moment with Brentford and my first time being called up for the U21s, so it’s all good at the moment."
Swift credits his spell at Griffin Park for this month’s cap, and admits he is enjoying his Championship experience following previous spells with Rotherham United and Swindon Town.
The Portsmouth-born midfielder is expected to be involved in Monday’s Championship game against Bolton Wanderers and it is that buzz of first-team football which he believes is helping him.
"Ever since I went there [Brentford], it has been a great experience and I am just playing my football, not thinking about anything else," he added.
"The boys have been great, we are doing really well at the moment and I’m getting a lot of minutes under my belt.
"If I can keep getting the starts and the minutes at Brentford, hopefully I can keep coming into the U21 squad and get some more minutes on the pitch."
Monday’s game will be the last under the charge of caretaker boss Lee Carsley, who has also been working as England U19s assistant coach this term, following the appointment of Walsall's Dean Smith as their new manager.
And Swift admits he has enjoyed working under the former Coventry City and Everton player, who is expected to return to his role with the Bees’ academy when Smith takes over.
Brentford boss Lee Carsley has spent time as England U19s assistant coach this season
"I’m not too sure how they got on under the old manager but ever since I’ve been there, Lee has been great," he revealed.
"He’s a great manager – he likes to tell me I can express myself more, which is good.
"I like the fact that I’ve got a bit of freedom going forward, which he gives me as well. I’m really enjoying it."
Swift was one of six Chelsea players in the U21s squad, four of which are out on loan away from Stamford Bridge.
It has been widely reported of the number of young Blues who are out on loan, but Swift believes it is the best opportunity to improve their development in the long term.
Watch highlights of Swift's U21s debut against the Swiss
"Everyone knows there are loads of players that go out and there are some great players out on loan at the moment," he explained.
"But any time I step away from Chelsea, I don’t think about Chelsea. I just think about the team I’m going to and give 100 per cent for them.
"When I do go back to Chelsea, I’ll give 100 per cent for them but at the moment I’m thinking about Brentford and moving forward with them."
