The Norwich City youngster is set to win his first international cap this week after being called up by Head Coach Dan Micciche.
Ahead of Monday’s first match with Iceland, Cantwell sat down with TheFA.com at the team hotel in Kolding to discuss his maiden international call-up and to give an insight into what we can expect from the silky attacker.
And as he settles into the squad out in Denmark, the 16-year-old is growing in confidence each day and he is adamant that he can leave a lasting impression should he be given the chance in Scandinavia.
England v Iceland
Nordic U17 Tournament
5pm, Monday 28 July 2014
Nr Aaby Stadium, Denmark
"I’m an advanced midfielder and I like to be involved and get on the ball as much as possible," revealed Cantwell.
"I’m quite a technical player who loves to dribble and beat a man, so I’ll be bringing that with me if I’m selected.
"This is something I’ve been striving to achieve for a long time, and I want to be back again with England after this. I’ll not let this chance pass me by and I’ll do everything I can to be in the next squad."
Cantwell has been performing well for the Canaries academy over the last year – but he says that it took a while for the news of his first England call-up to sink in.
"I went in to training and got pulled into the office at the academy, and they told me I’d been called up for the Nordics. I was quite emotional – I was so happy. It felt surreal.
"I couldn’t get through to my parents to start with as they were both at work, but I got in touch with my brother and sister and they managed to pass the message on. It was a brilliant moment for me."
Cantwell at training in Kolding
He continued: "I was really excited when I found out I was coming away. It’s different, and a new experience for me.
"There are some big personalities around. Obviously at Norwich I know everyone, but here I don’t know many yet – but I’m working on that bit.
"I didn’t know anyone when I first came so it was quite nerve-wrecking. I’m rooming with Trent Arnold, and I’m getting to know him and a few of the other lads and it is really good."
The Young Lions face a hectic few days, with their second group match with Finland coming less than 24 hours after their first. But the frantic schedule is something Cantwell has experience of before and he aims to leave his mark on the tournament as the games come thick and fast.
"I’ve been on a few tours with my club before, and we’ve sometimes had two matches in a day so I’ve had that intense experience before which benefits me going into these first two games.
"My aim is to firstly get some minutes under my belt and win that first cap for my country. But then after that I want to get a few goals and grab some assists and really make a good impression – I’d like to think that you can expect that from me."
Follow @England on Twitter for updates from England v Iceland on Monday.
