SAINTS youngster Sam Amo-Ameyaw is hopeful of making England's squad for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

The 17 year old missed out on Ryan Garry’s squad for the Under-17 European Championships in Hungary in the summer.

While that England side, which featured Tyler Dibling and Jayden Meghoma, only reached the quarter-finals, they did qualify for the Under-17 World Cup by beating Switzerland in a qualification playoff.

Amo-Ameyaw was recently called up to England’s Under-18 squad having impressed with Southampton's first team during the early stages of the season.

Asked by the Daily Echo about his immediate international ambitions, the winger revealed he is hopeful of earning a spot on the plane to Indonesia.

“It was really good (to go away with the Under-18s). I haven’t been called up for the past three camps but I think I proved myself to get back in there.

“There’s another camp coming up. A few weeks after this camp it’s the Under-17 World Cup. Hopefully, I can also get myself into that.

"I just have to keep pushing with the Under-21s or the first team, whichever it is, and keep showing my capabilities.”

Having been a part of Russell Martin's senior squad for Southampton's first eight games of the 2023-24 campaign, Amo-Ameyaw has returned to Under-21 action in recent weeks.

When watching the teenager play, there is one thing that stands out more than the rest - his fondness for trying to beat his opponents.

It’s an aspect of his game that he hasn’t shied away from when sizing up defenders much older than himself. Amo-Ameyaw confessed that he views taking players on as a crucial part of his game.

“When I beat a player, it just gives me confidence to keep doing it. Every game, that is what I look to do, to up my confidence.”

His experiences training and playing with the senior team have not only aided his on-field performances but also provided him with the opportunity to learn about life away from the pitch.

"I would say nutrition is really important," he noted when asked what the key lessons he has taken from senior players such as Joe Aribo and Sekou Mara. 

"Eating well and getting the right things down you. Not just nutrition but sleep as well, you don’t really understand the effects until you go up there."