Saido Berahino believes a place in England’s World Cup squad is a realistic target for any of the Young Lions currently playing in the Premier League.
The West Brom striker has been a top-flight regular with the Baggies this season as well as being top scorer for England Under-21s with six goals in four appearances.
And he thinks that England boss Roy Hodgson will put his faith in a number of the younger players when he picks his squad for Brazil at the end of the season.
Saido Berahino
Date of birth: 04/08/93
Club: West Bromwich Albion
International caps: England U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s, U20s & U21s
“I do think that a couple of youngsters will be in the squad and it wouldn’t be a gamble,” said Berahino, 20.
“You only have to see how well Ross [Barkley] and Raheem [Sterling] are playing to see that they have a chance.
“Any of us playing in the Premier League has to want to go to the World Cup - I’m no different.
“But this is only my first proper season so I’m not going to be shouting that I should be in the squad.
“I just put my trust in God and what will be, will be.
“Roy Hodgson knows me from his time as manager of West Brom and has talked to me one-to-one but he won’t give me any special favours.”
Saido Berahino speaks after England's win over Finland
Having represented England at every level from U16s to Under-21s, Berahino has plenty of experience on the international stage – even figuring in the U20 World Cup of 2011 in Colombia.
So a competition in South America this summer would not phase the Burundi-born ace, who caught the eye earlier this season when he scored the winning for West Brom against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“I think that United goal was when people started noticing me,” the former Peterborough and Brentford loanee told The Sun.
“But I’m still not that well known around the country and I realise I have to produce consistently every week.
“When I watched the United game with my mum on Match of the Day, it was her who said to me it was only the start, it didn’t mean I’d made it.
“She was very proud but told me it didn’t stop there and that every day I had to make sure I gave my best.
“What she said has stayed in my mind in all the games I’ve played since. My mum and the coaches at West Brom are making sure I stay properly grounded and I’m grateful to everyone at the club for the way they’ve helped me.”
England Under-21s are next in action on 5 March, when they play Wales at Derby's IPro Stadium in their next Euro Championship qualifier.
Tickets are priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 for U18s. These can be purchased in person from the Digonex Ticket Office, by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or by visiting WeAreDerby.com.
