06 November 2023 , 14:26
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Rico Lewis is aiming to cap his meteoric rise at Manchester City by gatecrashing England's squad for Euro 2024 next summer.
Pep Guardiola hailed Lewis as one of the most gifted players he has worked with, praising the 18-year-old's versatility to operate in defence and midfield. Lewis enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign last season, making 23 appearances as City secured an historic Treble haul, with his medals currently hanging in a wardrobe at home.
Proof of his new-found star status has come with requests for pictures with fans on trips to the supermarket, with Lewis setting his sights even higher as his career takes off. A year ago this week, he scored his first City goal, against Sevilla in the Champions League, with the Under-21 star destined to one day take the step up to the full England squad.
Asked about the prospect of making Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad, Lewis said: “Obviously it's a dream. Every player wants to play at a tournament for your country. But I'm focusing on myself. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn't, it doesn't. There's so many things I can get better at.”
Lewis admitted he has quizzed City's England contingent, including John Stones, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, about what it is like going away to play for the Three Lions. “When they come back I ask them what it's like,” said Lewis. “Any information I can get. It gives me an idea of what needs to be done to get there.”
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Reflecting on his debut season, Lewis admitted he was starstruck when he first joined the City squad, meeting the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. “At first it's difficult, you get starstruck,” said Lewis. “You go from watching them on TV to being sat next to them in the dressing-room.
“But you speak to them and realise they're normal people. It's a good transition from someone watching on TV to someone I can speak to. I think I'm the same person. But as a player, I'm around the best players in the world, so it's impossible not to develop when you're training with them every day.
“It was a shock at first. When you're 16 and come up for the tactical sessions, it's special to see what the elite players are doing. It's been so quick, but it's a natural thing, from the pre-season tour onwards, just focusing on myself and staying there.”
Asked when he realised he was famous, Lewis said: “Probably going to the Co-op or Tesco and being asked for a picture. But you dream of being a footballer, so I don't mind it. The medals are hung up in my wardrobe - I need to find somewhere else for them.
“We've got the miniature trophies and I've got them up. The shirts - I've kept a shirt for every kit and the one from when I scored my first goal. Anything I can hold onto I will - for the rest of my life.”