Thursday 20 September 2018 22:26, UK
James Maddison believes the gap has reduced between England's Under-21s and the senior side as he targets a first call-up from Gareth Southgate.
The midfielder has scored twice and assisted once in five Premier League games since joining Leicester from Norwich for £24m in the summer.
The 21-year-old's early-season form saw him tipped for an England call-up earlier this month, but he was instead named in the U21 squad.
Maddison admits that playing for England remains the dream, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of team-mate Ben Chilwell, who made his senior debut against Switzerland.
"I was delighted for Ben, it was no less than he deserved. Of course I want to follow in his footsteps, it has a dream of mine to play for England since I was a young boy," Maddison told Sky Sports.
"The gap between the Under-21s and the first team is not so big now, I think we've got a really good setup throughout all the age groups. That's the dream and hopefully I can get there."
Maddison was one of the Sky Bet Championship's standout performers last season, scoring 14 goals and assisting eight times as Norwich finished 12th.
After earning his place in the Championship Team of the Year, a move to Leicester followed, and he says he is relishing the chance to play in the top tier of English football.
"It has been quite an easy transition for me. The manager, the staff and the lads have been really welcoming. I'm loving life in the Premier League," he added.
"I always try and set myself short-term targets. But it's just to keep my form high. I was impressed with my own consistency last season, and hopefully I can continue to do that in the Premier League."
