LEWIS Cook admits he felt he could have helped England at this summer’s European Championship, and retains the hope he can force his way back into the squad.

Cook, 27, has one senior England cap, which came way back in 2018, in a friendly against Italy at Wembley.

He also featured regularly for the younger age group teams, captaining his country to victory at the 2017 Under-20 World Cup and was named on the standby list for the 2018 senior World Cup.

Despite a superb season at Cherries, the midfielder was overlooked by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024.

Uncapped Adam Wharton instead got the call, while Curtis Jones was part of the initial squad, but did not make the final cut.

During the tournament, Southgate admitted he was struggling to find a suitable replacement for out-of-form Kalvin Phillips, with Conor Gallagher, youngster Kobbie Mainoo and full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold all getting game-time in central midfield at the tournament, with mixed results, alongside Declan Rice.

England reached the final of the tournament, losing 2-1 to Spain, after which Southgate resigned. His replacement has not yet been announced.

Asked if he was sat watching the games this summer thinking he could have been that man to fill the midfield void, Cook told the Daily Echo: “Yes, I think so.

“I think I’ve said before, if you’re an English player in the Premier League, the aim should be to play for the national team, because you’re in one of the best leagues in the world and if you’re performing at a level, maybe there’s a chance.

“But the depth in the England squad in general is ridiculous, so you’ve just got to try and work your hardest to force your way into the team.

“That’s what everyone should be trying to do.”

In an interview with BBC Radio Solent earlier this summer, Cherries legend Steve Cook says he believes the only reason Dominic Solanke did not earn a call-up was because he was playing for a perceived ‘smaller club’.

Steve Cook also cited how he felt Lloyd Kelly leaving Cherries to join Newcastle United would boost the defender’s own international ambitions.

Asked if he sees playing for Cherries as a factor in players not earning England call-ups, Lewis Cook said: “It’s a strange one really.

“I think obviously if you’re doing the business on the pitch, depending on who is available for what position in the team at that current time, you might have an easier way to get into the team.

“I think the depth is just incredible there. Someone like Dom, in lots of people’s opinions, should’ve been there (at Euro 2024).

“But it’s a tough team to get into.”