Friday 16 March 2018 10:49, UK
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has credited Jack Wilshere's influence in Lewis Cook's call-up to the England squad.
Cook is one of four uncapped players named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the games against the Netherlands and Italy and could become the first Bournemouth player to represent England at senior level.
Wilshere is also in the squad and Howe believes the Arsenal midfielder's loan spell at Bournemouth last season has helped Cook develop into a potential England international.
Asked about Wilshere's impact on Cook, he said: "I think there was. I think watching Jack was very beneficial for him.
"I think last year we had an incredible pool of centre-midfielders to pick from - Jack of course being at the centre of that.
"But also learning from the likes of Andrew Surman, Harry Arter and Dan Gosling - they're all different but they're all great characters and very good professionals so I think for Lewis to see those players and people, take bits from them, is a really good part of his education and I think now he's reaped the benefits this season."
Cook captained England U20s to a World Cup win in June and earned a senior call-up in November, but did not make an appearance in the game against Brazil.
The 21-year-old, who signed from Leeds for £10m in July 2016, has made 22 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth this season and Howe thinks Cook's work ethic and attitude is the reason for his call-up.
"I'm delighted for him, he's such a level-headed, down-to-earth lad," the 40-year-old said. "He's worked incredibly hard since he's been here, he's improved greatly.
"I'm just really pleased that he's got the recognition his performances deserve. He's one of the last players off the training pitch - he really is. We have to tell him to go in.
"He's one of those players that always wants to do more which is the type of player I love. There's no edge to Lewis - he just wants to become the best player he can be and he's on the way to doing that."
