Chrissy Willock is enjoying every second of his new-found leadership responsibilities in Chile.
The Arsenal forward was named as England vice-captain to skipper Tom Davies for the FIFA Under-17s World Cup in South America, which kicks off for the Young Lions against Guinea on Saturday.
The 17-year-old was handed the armband for last week’s 8-0 friendly victory over DR Congo and notched the first goal, and he feels the faith shown in him by head coach Neil Dewsnip is having a positive effect on his performance both on and off the pitch.
England v Guinea
FIFA Under-17s World Cup 2015
Group B
8pm, Saturday 17 October
Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo
Live on Eurosport 2
Speaking to TheFA.com at the team base in La Serena, Willock said: “That was my first experience of being captain and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I had more responsibility than usual to the team and I was trying to give out a lot more encouragement that usual.
“It was a good experience and I think it did inspire me a little bit. I was delighted to get a goal too – I was pleased with that.”
He continued: “I’m proud that Neil has given me this responsibility for the tournament and it’s a big role. I’ll be encouraging the boys on and off the field, and make sure I’m there for those that aren’t in the team.
“I’ll be helping Tom out as best I can as it’s a big role for the both us. We need to keep everybody focused and ensuring we keep working hard as a group.”
The last time Willock was on international duty in September he revealed his hopes to become more lethal in front of goal, stating that he was working on improving his output in front of goal.
Since then he has made headlines with a wonderful strike for his club in the UEFA Youth League against Dinamo Zagreb, receiving the ball 30 yards out before effortlessly gliding past three defenders and calmly slotting past the keeper.
Chris Willock in action last season
He followed that up with an equally exquisite strike against DR Congo, and he is hoping to continue that run in South America.
“I’ve started to score a lot more goals this season and I think I’m starting to improve in that aspect. Hopefully I’ll be able to carry that on at the World Cup,” he said.
“I think I’ve started to be a little more selfish in front of goal. Sometimes before I’d like to pass when I’d be better off having a go myself, so I’ve started to take things on by myself and I think that has really helped me.
“After training I’ve also started practising a lot more, different finishes, and that’s helped me a lot too.”
And he is also taking inspiration from a player who appeared for England at the U17s World Cup in 2011.
“When you look at people like Raheem Sterling who were involved four years ago it’s a good role model to inspire to be like," he said.
“When you look at Raheem Sterling who was involved four years ago it’s a good role model”
Chris Willock
“He’s a very good player and I see things in his game that I try to copy.
“I really want to do well at this tournament and seeing the progress he has made since appearing in 2011 gives a lot of inspiration to myself and the lads.”
With the big kick-off to the showpiece now just two days away, Willock and his team-mates cannot wait to get started.
He added: “I’m really excited and the boys are too. We are desperate to perform well and start with a win, but we know we’re going to have to work really hard to get it.
“It’s really important to start with a victory, you can then carry that form with you.
“Hopefully if we do that then we can build some momentum to carry on in to the tournament.”
England face Guinea at 8pm on Saturday in their opening match of the World Cup, which will be shown live on Eurosport 2.
Follow @England on Twitter for all the latest from the Young Lions camp in Chile
