Seven years later, Dominic Solanke says he never gave up on another England call-up
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England's Dominic Solanke (centre) and Ollie Watkins (right) during training ahead of their Nations League matches against Greece and Finland.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Dominic Solanke has the England shirt from his lone appearance for the national team framed on his wall and, while seven years have passed since he wore it, the Tottenham Hotspur striker said he never gave up hope of another call-up.
The 27-year-old earned his second one – finally – for England interim manager Lee Carsley’s squad for Nations League games against Greece and Finland and hopes he can stick with the team for a while.
“I think over the years, when I do see it (the shirt), I’ve always thought of when (can) I get back there and win more caps for my country,” said Solanke, whose England debut in 2017 was in a friendly against Brazil.
“Having something like that on the wall is definitely extra motivation.
“I didn’t think it wouldn’t come around. (I had to) just keep playing well and scoring goals, and I always believed that I would get back here.
“That was my mindset. I’m thankful to be back here now, and hopefully, I can stay here.”
Solanke has scored three goals for Spurs in all competitions this season, having joined the London club from Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £65 million (S$110.9 million) in August.
After pouring in 21 goals for the Cherries last season, he was disappointed to have been left out of former England manager Gareth Southgate’s team who finished runners-up to Spain at Euro 2024. He used it as fuel.
“It was definitely something I was pushing for, but there’s so many good players that could represent England, probably one of the strongest in the world, and I didn’t quite manage to make the squad, which I was disappointed about. But that’s football,” he added.
“It’s a dream to play for your country, so when you don’t get selected, it definitely motivates you to work even harder to make the next one.”
The long gap between senior-team appearances is surprising considering Solanke was a mainstay with the national age-group programme, making his debut in the Under-16 team in 2012.
He helped England win the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and was presented with the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament.
Solanke also said his mental strength has been the key to his longevity.
“The mental side of football is just as big these days, because there’s so many ups and downs, a lot going on, on and off the pitch,” he said.
“So it’s important to stay focused and believe in yourself and keep working hard.
“And everyone’s journey is different. Some people have a smooth-sailing career, and some not as smooth. So yes, it’s just about sticking with it.”
Solanke is one of three strikers in the squad, alongside captain Harry Kane and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Bayern Munich’s Kane has been given the green light to play following an injury scare but Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White have been ruled out, with Carsley opting against drafting in replacements.
England are second in Group B2 of the Nations League with six points from two games, behind Greece on goal difference. Carsley’s side host the Greeks at Wembley on Oct 10 before visiting Finland three days later. REUTERS, AFP
