Arsenal midfielder Smith Rowe 'grateful' for Southgate praise | OneFootball

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is chasing a senior England call.

Gareth Southgate confirmed last month when naming his senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary that the 21-year-old was “very close" to being handed a maiden call-up.

"I feel really grateful that he's [Southgate] speaking about me like that in such a positive way," Smith Rowe said.

"But I've got to keep working hard, keep my head down and I know the opportunity will come. I've just got to make sure I'm ready for it.

"It is always an honour to represent my country whatever level it is. The seniors have a really strong team at the moment so I always know it is going to be difficult.

"I've just got to keep my head down and stay focused and keep doing what I am doing and hopefully I'll get that opportunity in the future."