The youngster may have only had three weeks break between appearing for his country’s U18s side in Russia last month and travelling to Austria with the Toffees development squad for the start of pre-season, but Connolly would not have it any other way.
“I just love playing football. I did have a holiday booked for June, but when I was named in the squad for the Russia trip then England comes first – you can’t turn that down,” he told TheFA.com.
The 17-year-old, who hails from Bootle in Liverpool, burst on to the international scene 18 months ago for the U17s as he helped them to reach the European Championship in Malta last summer.
However, with a number of GCSE exams taking place during the tournament, the full-back could only watch from home as the Young Lions, who included Blues team-mates Ryan Ledson and Jonjoe Kenny within their ranks, went on to lift the trophy.
Not to be deterred, Connolly’s determination to win a spot in the side was rewarded as he was included in every U18s squad this season, his highlight being when he notched two in a 3-1 win over Holland back in September.
Speaking to TheFA.com, he says he has learned a lot from working under the tutelage of his former Everton mentor and current Young Lions head coach Neil Dewsnip this season, and feels he has developed as a player.
“Last season was massive for me, both internationally and at my club. I’ve gained a lot of experience, especially with England, and I’ve been in every single squad.
“I played against some of the best players in Europe, going up against the likes of Holland, Italy and Russia and I’ve enjoyed every moment – I just hope there is more to come next year.”
He continued: “I’ve been with Neil for the last nine or ten years after he coached me at Everton in the academy. He’s a great manager both on and off the pitch. You can talk to him about anything and he has a great understanding of what a player needs.
“His knowledge about the game is great too and he is a top coach – it’s been fantastic to work with him again over the last year and I’ve learnt a lot.”
Explaining what he feels has developed in his game over the past twelve months, Connolly explained: “Individually he has really given me more belief to go out there and show people what I can do.
“He’s encouraged me to have the confidence to do that and he has really instilled a winning mentality into me and the lads.
Connolly said his goalscoring was down to rooming with striker Adam Armstrong
“I wouldn’t really say I lacked self-belief before, but it hadn’t really sank in I was playing for England. Now I know when I pull that jersey on, I have to work ten times harder.”
And having missed out on Euro glory previously, Connolly is looking to go on and become a permanent fixture in the U19s over the course of the next campaign.
With a European Championship and potential World Cup to feature in, he cannot wait to get going.
“Next year is a big one for me at international level and my club. With England I want to play in big tournaments and make an impression to show people what I can do.
“I want to ensure that I am a part of the U19s squad this season and hopefully help us to have success in the Euros. We know that if we do that then we will get the opportunity to show what we can do at the World Cup, which would just be unbelievable to be involved with.
Connolly was included in every U18s squad this season
“I am going to be working extra hard to try and move up the ranks at Everton too. It would be great for me to get that little bit more physical and stronger and develop my football mentality a little more – that would hopefully impress the gaffer and edge me a bit closer to the first team squad.”
Having appeared in both full-back positions, central defence and midfield for his country, Connolly insists he does not care where he plays, as long as he is able to help his country to success and continue his own development.
“I like to think of myself as a versatile player, and whether it is left-back, centre-half or midfield, I’ll always put a shift in for the team and I’ve been happy to get that experience. I’ve just been enjoying my footy,” he added.
“This England age group have had some big challenges as a group but we have dealt with them well. We have won the majority of our matches and do it in convincing fashion with some real strong performances, and we want to continue that this season.”
