Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi names childhood friend his most influential player in England adaptation

Blue’s sensation, Callum Hudson-Odoi says his boyhood friend Jadon Sancho has played a key role in helping him adapt to the England senior squad.

The winger, 18, had initially joined up with England’s U21 team, but was subsequently called up by Gareth Southgate for the first time after multiple players withdrew from his squad.

Three days later, Hudson-Odoi – yet to start a Premier League match – became England’s youngest debutant in a competitive international match – breaking a 64-year-old record – in Friday’s 5-0 win over the Czech Republic.

18y 135d – Callum Hudson-Odoi is the youngest player in the history of the England national team to win his first cap in a competitive match (18y 135d), breaking the record held by Duncan Edwards since April 1955 (18y 183d). Talent. pic.twitter.com/0ofYu68bsf

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 22, 2019

Hudson-Odoi joined Sancho, also 18, starting his first competitive game for England, on the Wembley pitch with 20 minutes to go on Friday and played a pivotal role in the team’s fifth goal.

Dream come true!! Absolutely delighted to have made my senior debut for @england and with a 5-0 win, hopefully many more to come!!!🦁🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/OMeH4PWQIC

— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 22, 2019

Speaking about Sancho’s influence, Hudson-Odoi said: “We have known each other since we were very young.

“We used to play against each other and we were always close friends.

“No matter whether it was Chelsea against Watford, where we used to play against each other.

“We have always talked to each other off the pitch, called each other, speak to each other, see how the other one is going and he has had a great season.

This footage of Callum Hudson-Odoi playing as a 13-year-old schoolboy is SCARY! 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/bSo1ItnJSh

— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) March 20, 2019

“Since I have been here with England, he has helped me from day one, always made me feel comfortable and confident.

He told reporters: “We have both been playing as we did on the street, that’s just how we play. We have been playing as we did in the park and cages.

Hudson-Odoi has loved being around Jadon Sancho https://t.co/hhfQrL6Oqb pic.twitter.com/vYcPaprbhA

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 24, 2019

“Having a friend like that is amazing, just to bring you into the team and help yourself and be yourself. It is amazing.”