DOMINIC Solanke believes it is “a good time” to be an England player with “an air of confidence” in the national camp.

The Cherries frontman is preparing to face European under-21 champions Germany on Tuesday, in a prestigious friendly at Vitality Stadium (7.45pm).

And Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions will be defending an 18-game unbeaten run since they lost on penalties to - guess who? - The Germans, in the semi-finals of Euro 2017.

But former Chelsea and Liverpool ace Solanke is convinced English football is on the up throughout all international levels.

Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who reached last year’s World Cup semi-finals, have already booked a Nations League last-four clash with Holland this summer.

On top of that, England’s under-20 team won the World Cup in 2017 with Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook and Solanke in their ranks - a feat that was also emulated by the country’s under-17 squad.

The striker, who won his one and only full England cap against Brazil in 2017, said: “There is definitely an air of confidence in the England camp.

“As the years have gone on we have started to win quite a few youth tournaments and the talent in this country is expressing itself at international and club level so it’s a good time.

“It’s always an honour to represent your country at any level and it’s amazing to see how well your age-group is doing around the country.

“We have got a fantastic bunch of boys and when you all come together it’s nice to play with everyone again.

“We are looking forward to showing what we can do in Bournemouth before the Euros and there’s always been a bit of rivalry with Germany throughout the years.”

Solanke, who was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse Arnheim by Chelsea before he moved to Liverpool, joined Cherries in January along with England full-back Nathaniel Clyne, who is on loan.

The striker has only made two starts and three substitute appearances since moving to the Dorset club, making the second goal for Joshua King in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle during his last outing.

Solanke added: “It was great to get out there against Newcastle but it was a bit of a shame to concede in the final minute.

“The main thing is to just get out there and enjoy and express myself on the pitch.

“I had a taste of playing for England when I made my debut against Brazil and it’s definitely somewhere I want to get back to.

“If I just do well for my club then, hopefully, another chance will come so when you are on the pitch you’ve just got to show what you can do.

“My main priority is to score goals but it’s also about enjoying yourself and helping the team as much as you can.”