Dominic Solanke has called Neymar one of the greatest players of all time while reflecting on his seven-year wait for his second call-up to the senior national team.
Forward Solanke had just made his Premier League debut and was yet to start in the top flight when Gareth Southgate used him from the bench against Brazil in a friendly at Wembley in November 2017.
Then 20, he shared the pitch with Neymar – who would go on to succeed Pele as the Selecao’s all-time top scorer – for 15 minutes in the only senior game he has played for the Three Lions.
Always special to represent the #ThreeLions 🦁
🗣 @DomSolanke pic.twitter.com/KV3IZrOqz7
— England (@England) October 8, 2024
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Solanke: England ‘another level’
“I’ve still got it framed in my house,” Solanke said of his England shirt from the game.
“It’s one of the greatest achievements of my career. When you’re young and you’re just playing football, you just want to make it – but representing your country is a whole other level.
“Neymar’s one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game – someone who everyone enjoys watching, such a special player. Players like that bring joy to football.”
“Back with the boys and representing my country.” 🫡
❤️ @DomSolanke pic.twitter.com/L53AKvGYG6
— England (@England) October 8, 2024
England trophies ‘next step’
That August, Neymar signed for Paris St-Germain from Barcelona for a £200 million fee that remains the all-time record. Solanke had moved to Anfield the previous month, with a fee set by a tribunal between the Reds and his former club, Chelsea, said to be around £3m.
“You’re on the bench warming up, praying you get that opportunity,” said Solanke,who has been directly involved in five goals in eight games since joining Tottenham from Bournemouth in August for a fee that could rise to £65 million. “Against Brazil at Wembley, there are not many greater opportunities to get your debut.
“I still remember quite a lot. I was away with the under-21s and came up to the seniors. I was quite young and didn’t have a lot of game time behind me.
“Mentally and physically, I’m in a better place. I’m grateful for that day. I was in the England set-up throughout all the age groups; we won quite a few trophies and they are great memories.
“Hopefully we can do it for the seniors now, as well. It would be nice to win some trophies and that’s the next step for the country.”
Dom Solanke. England player. 🦁 pic.twitter.com/zhaMRUIy8S
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 3, 2024
England Nations League fixtures
Solanke is hoping to feature when England resume their Nations League campaign at home to Greece on Thursday (7.45pm BST), followed by a trip to Finland on Sunday (5pm).
England record scorer Harry Kane, who has stayed with the squad despite suffering an injury scare with Bayern Munich, is another source of inspiration for Solanke.
“H is a world-class player who has done so well for the country for many years,” he said. “Watching him take the onus of being the main striker for the country, he’s a great player to look up to.”
