Lewis Cook says it would be "the pinnacle" of his young career to help England U17s qualify for the European Championship.
Cook was a part of the 20-man squad that competed in the Algarve Tournament last week - the youngsters losing out on the crown after suffering a late defeat against Germany on Sunday.
Despite this set-back, the trip has been of huge benefit to Cook who says it was a massive learning curve for him.
Lewis Cook has been a regular with England U17s this season
The Leeds United midfielder said: "I'm disappointed that we lost the final match but I thought the team gave another good performance.
"As it had been all week, the work-rate was first class again but we just needed that bit more quality in the final third and to take our chances.
"The week has been great for me and a big learning curve on how important it is to win matches and see them out."
The annual friendly tournament threw up a highly-charged final match against Germany, and Cook believes the experience of a game in such circumstances will only benefit those involved.
"Obviously everyone is trying their hardest to secure their spot in the squad for the Elites," he said.
"The three hard games we have just faced is the perfect preparation for us all as players ahead of the qualifiers as it has given us a taste of competitive international football.
"It was a bonus that it was a winner-takes-all sort of cup final against Germany. It made it extra-special and a bit more of a pressurised situation, which many of us had not experienced at this level.
"Unfortunately we did not get the win needed to win the tournament, but what an occasion for us to be involved with.
“It would mean everything to me to help my country qualify for the European Championship. ”
Lewis Cook
"We'll carry this experience on and try to learn from it."
And with the Elite Round qualifiers in Czech Republic only three weeks away, Cook spoke of the importance in helping his country reach the finals in Malta this summer.
"It's brilliant playing for England and everyone is ready now to try and get the wins needed in Czech Republic.
"It would mean everything to me to help my country qualify for the European Championship.
"All the hard work I've put in at my club and with England will have been worthwhile and it would be the pinnacle of my career so far to be involved."
