Steve McManaman has explained why Neco Williams can be a long-term success for Liverpool - and is convinced the youngster will turn down an approach from England.
Williams has proven a breakthrough success from the Academy this season, providing three assists in four appearances.
The 18-year-old has appeared for Wales at under-19 level, although scouts from England were in attendance at Anfield to watch the right-back star in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town earlier this month.
It prompted speculation of an attempt from the Three Lions to persuade Wrexham-born Williams to change his international allegiance before making a full Wales debut, with the defender an outside bet to make Ryan Giggs' Euro 2020 squad this summer.
But former Liverpool winger McManaman, who has followed the teenager's progress closely at the Academy, believes such an attempt will prove futile.
“I think he is good enough to be a future England international if he continues to progress like he has done from the age of 15,16, 17 to where he is now, he’s progressed at an incredible rate," said McManaman.
“I think he wants to play for Wales, to be very honest. He seems to be very Welsh when I speak to him (laughs).
“I know he can play for England, but first and foremost I think he wants to play for Wales."
Speaking to horseracing.net, McManaman added: “He needs to keep on improving, but he’s an incredibly talented boy who listens and when people tell him where to improve, he goes and works on it.
"He’s got a great attitude and his rate of improvement over the last couple of years has been exceptional.
“If he keeps on improving in the way he has been, then he will definitely be good enough to play at international level.”
