Abraham believes he can secure World Cup place
Tammy Abraham believes he can land a place in the England squad for the World Cup.
The Chelsea striker, on loan at Swansea this season, made his full international debut at Wembley against Germany last week and came off the bench to play against Brazil on Tuesday night.
It continues a meteoric rise for the 20-year-old, who says he has the self-belief to secure a slot in Gareth Southgate’s party to Russia in 2018.
“I definitely can see myself going,” Abraham said.
“I’m a person who believes massively in myself, and like the coaches are saying, we have to go back to our clubs and give 100 per cent and hopefully see what happens.
“This week’s been amazing, obviously. To make two senior caps is a big achievement for me and proves that I am doing the right things. I just have to keep focused and working as hard as I can.
“I’ve dreamt about playing for England since I was young and to be finally here on the big stage, it’s an amazing feeling – indescribable really.
“I live football. Football has always been in my heart. And every time I step out on that pitch I always want to prove myself and do the best that I can.”
Abraham’s rawness against two of the very best footballing nations did not curb his trademark liveliness and enthusiasm to cause problems for some elite defenders, like Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels and Brazil’s Paris St-Germain star Marquinhos.
He almost got on the end of a cross in the very first minute in the Germany match and the two outings did his confidence no harm at all.
“The results show that we can compete against the best teams in the world,” he said.
“The new gaffer is a person who believes in young players, so he wants you to do well. It’s up to you. He will pick you.”
Abraham’s club future, meanwhile, is not something he will think about too much for now. As with last season, when he was at Bristol City, he is committed to helping the club he has been loaned out to.
“I have to do everything right this season and we will see what happens next season,” he said.
“Right now, I’m literally just focused on Swansea. Last season I was focused just on Bristol and this season focused on Swansea. I just have to keep proving myself.”
