Jack Cork has revealed his delight at being included in the England U21 squad for their two make-or-break European qualifying games.
On Tuesday Clarets Player broke the news to the on-loan Chelsea midfielder that he had been selected in Stuart Pearce's squad for the games against Portugal in Barcelos on Friday 3rd September and Lithuania, at Colchester United, on Tuesday 7th September.
England go into the double header knowing they must win both matches to stand a chance of qualifying for next summer's finals.
And Cork is determined to play his part in helping the Three Lions to reach the showpiece finals in Denmark.
Cork told Clarets Player: "That's the first I heard of it and I'm really happy because I know they are massive games.
"I am really pleased that Stuart Pearce has chosen me to be involved. We need to win both games because I don't think, unless Greece get some bad results, that we can win the group.
"If we can with both though, hopefully we can still end up in the European Championships next summer."
Cork, who has made four appearances for the U21 side, having made his way up through the set-up from the U16 team, added: "I think I have played enough in the past couple of years to earn my right to be in that squad.
"There are some really good players in there though and hopefully some real talent that will come through in the next few years."
Cork was speaking after the Clarets' hard-fought 3-1 Carling Cup win at Morecambe, which earned them a place in Saturday's third round draw (approx 12.30pm)
And the 21-year-old, who has now made over 100 league appearances under his belt in several loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, now wants to press his claims for a regular starting role at Turf Moor.
He said: "It was a good result for us. We knew it was going to be tough, and Morecambe didn't make life easy for us, but we pulled through and I was pleased to be a part of it.
"I really enjoyed playing in the match for my first start, and it's really good for me to be playing again amongst the lads.
"We need to move on now and take this winning mentality to Swansea at the weekend.
"We are in great form with seven points from nine in the league and only conceding one goal in the process, so we need to concentrate, play our football and hopefully walk away with a result."
Catch the full EXCLUSIVE interview with Cork on Clarets Player later today. To subscribe for EXCLUSIVE video's, extended highlights of first and reserve team games, EXCLUSIVE commentaries and behind the scenes access, click HERE
