Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster is delighted seeing his former England U17 World Cup teammates getting their first team chance.
Brewster won the U17 World Cup two years ago alongside the likes of Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea).
“It's a shame it's too late for some players who were a bit older than me at Chelsea," he told The Telegraph, referring to Frank Lampard's push to go with youth at Chelsea this season.
“But I am excited for friends who are there. I see friends, not club rivalries.
“They are my team-mates for my country, and in some cases they were club mates back in the day.
"When they make it into the senior team I am proud of them. I wasn't thinking, 'they're playing, I hope they don't do well'. Of course I am also thinking if it was not for the fact I was injured it could have been me, or in a few months that could be me. But I am not a jealous type. I am not sitting there feeling anything but pleased.
“You should have heard me in my front room when they got their chance – Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Angel Gomez, Morgan Gibbs-White. I was cheering them on.
“I want every single player from my generation at England level to come through – not just those I have played with but every young player. It is time.
“It can't just be about buying players. So I sit and cheer, happy for them.
“You don't win a World Cup and get to the finals of Euros for no reason. Our team spirit was second to none. We were all together and wanted each other to do well. Our England team was so like Liverpool, where everyone is pushing and helping each other. We did it so well.
“Don't get me wrong. When we play against each we will all want to win – to get one over each other – but when we are not against each other I want them to do well. I don't care about the teams they play for. I don't care how their clubs do. It is a personal thing. I want them all to do well.
"Phil [Foden] at City is a good example. Why would I not want Phil to do well? It's not about City. Same with Chelsea and Callum – I support his career not his club. We support each other and text all the time."
