LEWIS Cook insisted he would not be overawed by facing the Netherlands – despite admitting a senior England cap had been a lifelong dream.

Cook, last week named in Gareth Southgate's squad for friendlies against the Dutch and Italy, will hope to become the first Cherries player to represent the Three Lions.

The 21-year-old midfielder was drafted in for the friendly against Brazil in November but did not feature in the 0-0 stalemate at Wembley Stadium.

Discussing his memories of watching England growing up, Cook said: "I was always watching the games with my family and dreaming about one day being in the shirt so, if that happens this time, I will be delighted.

"I liked to watch the goalscoring midfielders like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard but I liked to watch all the players, really. If you get there, it is a massive achievement so I looked up to them all.

"I'm really happy to be involved."

Asked if he would be fazed by taking on the Netherlands at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Friday, Cook said: "No, there are always a few nerves but I think I'm just excited.

"If I get the chance to play, I am going to give my all for the team and try to implement my style of play and adjust to how they play as well.

"I have a lot of learning to do but I have to enjoy it as well."

Cook has played in all of England's age group sides from under-16s upwards and memorably skippered his country to Under-20 World Cup success last summer.

And he believes it is positive for younger players that Southgate – a former England under-21s boss – is now manager of the senior side.

"It is encouraging for us all," he said. "I think everyone through the age groups knows there is a pathway there.

"He has put a lot of young players into the senior squad in these past camps.

"It is really beneficial for us and gives us hope and motivation to keep doing what we do when we go away with England, so it is good to see."

York-born Cook is yet to book his summer holiday and, depending on how matters progress with England, he may yet be required for the World Cup in Russia.

But the former Leeds United man is not looking that far ahead just yet.

"If I get the chance to play in these games, I need to do what I do here and enjoy it," said Cook.

"If (going to the World Cup) happens, it happens but I am focused on this camp now and giving my all."

With defender Nathan Ake selected by the Dutch, an inter-Cherries duel could be on the cards.

Cook said: "It would be nice to play against Nathan. I know how he plays and he knows how I play, so it would be a good test."