Leicester City attacker eyeing England maiden call-up under Gareth Southgate

Leicester City attacker Demarai Gray is keen to make the next step in his international career and break into the England squad. The 22-year-old has been regarded as one of the promising young prospects in the country but he has not managed to secure a senior call-up despite representing the Under-21s on a regular basis.

Speaking to reporters, Gray highlighted that he has now matured into a better footballer and he would rather represent the nation than watch them from the pub, he said: “I think it's time I take the next step into my game. I'm 22 now and I'm maturing as a player and as a person. I think because I've been around first-team football since I was 17, I know the ins and outs of what goes on, what's to be expected and the highs and lows. I don't want to be watching England from the pub, I want to be at the next Euros, at the next World Cup. I think that's my next target and to do that, I've got to keep working on my game here at Leicester and performing.”

Gray has shown glimpses of his potential during his time at the King Power Stadium. but he has not managed to become a regular contributor in terms of goals and assists - unlike some of his compatriots. As such, he has not made the breakthrough under Gareth Southgate, but hopefully, the ongoing season manages to bring a change in his fortunes.

The Foxes have witnessed the likes of Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire become regulars with the national team over the past year or so and Gray could certainly take some motivation from the latter, who was only a spectator when the Three Lions were featuring at Euro 2016. Maguire was a constant presence for England at the recent World Cup where they managed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.