Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden admits it is 'difficult' for him to force his way into Gareth Southgate's England squad but he does harness ambitions to do so.
The 24-year-old has been one of United's in-form players of 2019, and has continued his good form of last season into the new campaign.
With the first round of Euro 2020 qualifiers under-way, Southgate called up the relatively inexperienced Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings to his squad - with some asking questions if Hayden will ever get a look in.
The former Arsenal man admits his desire to play for his country but feels his style of play may prove an obstacle to a call-up.
"I do think about it (playing for England),” said Hayden.
“I think the issue is that with the way that England play, they tend to go with a lot more attacking, ‘flairy’ type of players in that area.
“They rarely restrain themselves – from what I see looking in from the outside, Gareth only really has one or two players who can play in that more (defensive) position."
England beat Bulgaria 4-0 over the weekend, and set up in the middle with Ross Barkley, Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice.
Speaking before the game, Hayden was well aware of the names currently on the teamsheet.
"Unfortunately, for me, I’ve got Jordan Henderson, Liverpool captain and Champions League winner, who in the last couple of years has really stepped up his game to the levels where he is now.
“Then you’ve obviously also got Declan Rice, who’s 20, and who has quit the Ireland, so it’s difficult to leave him out.
“It’s difficult for me to get in there, but I think the most important thing for me is to just keep playing the games I’m doing. If I’m playing the games and performing to the required level, then if I get in, I get in. If not, I’ll carry on playing and working.”
