Anthony Gordon says representing Scotland was never a realistic option as he prepares to make his England debut in the forthcoming double-header against Brazil and Belgium.
The winger earned a maiden call-up from Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate following a string of impressive displays for Newcastle United this season.
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And, although he also qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents, he always had eyes on playing for the country of his birth.
He said: “It was never a thought for me, and that is no disrespect to Scotland.
“I have been tunnel-visioned on playing for England since I was five or six years old. Nothing could ever shake that out of me.
“I could never forgive myself if I hadn’t got to this point. It was a dream I have had since I was so young and nothing else has ever entered my mind at any time.”
The Liverpudlian admits to having plenty of local heroes to look up to when he was growing up.
He added: “I think that’s every kid’s dream who likes football. I think as a young English kid, that is the pinnacle to play for your country so it is no extra motivation or a great story but just that.
“For me, it was always (Wayne) Rooney and (Steven) Gerrard because they were from similar areas.
“I always used to run around the garden from the youngest age I can remember and try and recreate goals, create my own types of goals. I looked up to them massively.”
Should he get on against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday evening, he could come up against Newcastle team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.
“If I get to make my debut I don’t think there’s a better game, to be honest,” he said.
“Brazil, it’s just a team so rich in history with so many good players. I spoke to Bruno and he is such a good player. It would be so exciting to play against him at Wembley.
“With the squad we have got at the minute I don’t think there is a better game in national football, so it would be good. Obviously, there is no guarantee but it would mean everything to me.”
