LEWIS Cook hopes his history-making exploits with England will help him make an impact with Cherries in the Premier League this season.

Cook became only the second man to captain an England football team to World Cup glory when they were crowned under-20 champions after beating Venezuela in South Korea in June.

The former Leeds youngster said his experience on the international stage had made him "grow as a person" and would stand him in good stead for Cherries' third season in the top flight.

Cook, who joined Cherries for £7million 12 months ago, made five eye-catching displays at the end of his debut season with the club.

He endured a stop-start campaign with an ankle injury sustained in October checking his progress and restricting him to just six league appearances in total as Cherries finished ninth.

But with positive momentum with him following his World Cup adventure, the gifted 20-year-old says he is hoping the new season could be his breakthrough campaign with Eddie Howe’s team.

Cook capped an impressive pre-season by playing his part in Cherries’ final friendly against Napoli and will be keen to feature when they kick off in the Premier League at West Brom on Saturday (3pm).

He told the Daily Echo: “Last season was full of ups and downs but I definitely grew as a person and learned how to deal with things.

“I felt I improved in my training last year and had a few games towards the end of the season. I thought I did well.

“Going away in the summer and doing what we did there put me in great stead.

“There is a lot of competition for places here. Hopefully, the team can do well this season and we can have a really good go.”

Reflecting on his tournament success with the Young Lions, Cook added: “It’s still sinking in.

“I think it definitely made me grow. It was a massive occasion and I am just so immensely proud for me and my family.

“I think it just gave me more confidence in my game. To go somewhere like that, in conditions far away from here and win a tournament, was unbelievable really. I am really proud and happy.”

“Most of the England senior team congratulated us and some of the legends as well. There was great support from England. The manager rang me after the final and I was really appreciative of that.

“I think it was just good for my family. My friends all came to Korea, a lot of people came and we had a party after, which was great. Overall, it was a great experience and I’ll never forget it.”