Emile Smith Rowe driven by desire to earn England recall, says Fulham boss Marco Silva | OneFootball

Smith Rowe has made a bright start at Fulham but was left out of the latest England squad by interim manager Lee Carsley

Marco Silva says Emile Smith Rowe’s Fulham form is being driven by a personal ambition to return to the England squad.

The versatile 24-year-old forward earned three England caps in 2021 - and scored his first international goal in a 10-0 win over San Marino - before falling down the pecking order at Arsenal.

Smith Rowe was overlooked when England interim manager Lee Carsley named his October squad on Thursday.

But Silva has revealed a return to the England fold is a priority for Smith Rowe, who has helped Fulham to sixth in the table.

“He is motivated [to return to the England set-up], definitely”, said Silva. “He’s enjoying his football, enjoying his team-mates, enjoying the way we’ve been playing.

“He fits really well in the way we want to play, fits really well in some aspects where he’s been decisive for us. He’s going to improve.

“We have to be really pleased with the impact he’s already had in our squad. But I think he is going to improve more and more and more.”

Silva added: “About the national team, of course it’s always a proud moment for any English player. We are here to help him. It has to be a goal for him, definitely.

Read More

Harry Maguire thrown England lifeline despite snub as Lee Carsley explains Dominic Solanke call-up

England squad: Dominic Solanke handed recall but James Maddison snubbed again

“Some time ago he was there. It was just one or two caps, but he was there. He felt the moment for sure. It has to be a goal for him to fight for it. The competition in his position is top.

Fulham travel to the Etihad on Saturday to play Premier League champions Manchester City.

“No big changes from last week”, said Silva when asked for an update on team news.

“Jorge Cuenca is still out. Carlos Vinicius is still out. All the other players are going to be available for the match.”