The attacker started during the Young Lions’ 2-0 victory over Holland on Thursday in Capelle before coming off the bench when his side were down to 10 men for over an hour to help secure a battling 0-0 draw against the same opponents.
The trip to the Netherlands was the last chance for the squad to impress Neil Dewsnip before he selects his World Cup squad for the showpiece in Chile next month, and Willock believes the side showed two sides of their personality during the trip.
“We produced two very good but different performances,” the Arsenal youngster told TheFA.com.
“The first one was hard, but we played really well first half and secured a good win.
Arsenal players (left to right) Kaylen Hinds, Stephy Mavididi, Chris Willock and Ben Sheaf while on England duty
“When I came on in the second game I found it difficult as we were down to 10 men, but the team as a whole worked so hard and did well to get the draw.”
The 17-year-old continued: “We all showed two sides of our game in the games, and sometimes you have to do that. We know we can play well and dominate possession, and we did that in the first one. We showed what a footballing side we are.
“But sometimes in football you have to really dig deep and we had to do that in the second game. We had to show a bit of grit and determination to get a result and we are all pleased that we managed to do that.”
'Every time I beat a man it gives me joy inside'
Chrissy Willock
Willock likes to try and add a touch of excitement to the England attack, and he admits nothing gives him greater satisfaction than when he has taken on a defender.
“I like to beat players,” he admitted. “Every time I beat a man it gives me joy inside if that makes sense.
“It’s a good feeling when I can do that or a trick to get past them and help the team out in attack.”
In addition to his range of tricks, Willock says he is working hard on another part of his game.
Highlights: Holland 0-2 England U18s
“I’d like to add a few more goals to my game though. Last season I didn’t get too many and that is a big target for me this year to score more.
“I want to get a lot more assists too, so I’m working on that and hopefully I can produce that in the World Cup if selected.”
Willock gained valuable international tournament experience in May as he was part of the England side that reached the European U17 Championship quarter finals.
And he would relish more of that big match experience for his country in Chile.
“I’d love to go to the World Cup. I was very fortunate to be involved at the Euros in the summer. That was a great experience for me.
“I’m really looking forward to the World Cup – I just hope I’ve done enough to be selected. There is a bit of extra spice that it’s in South America and it would be great to be involved.”
