Tammy Abraham’s England call-up will make him an outside bet to play at next year’s World Cup finals, according to Swansea City manager Paul Clement.
Abraham has been named in the squad for the upcoming friendly internationals against Germany and Brazil.
The 20-year-old striker – on a season-long loan at the Liberty Stadium from Chelsea – is only the second serving Swan to make an England squad after Jonjo Shelvey’s fleeting appearance in 2014.
Clement has admitted Abraham’s selection was a “pleasant surprise” and although he remains well down the list of likely England strikers to go to Russia next summer, his manager says: “He has had a good attitude and has worked hard and it (the World Cup) will be a possibility for him.
“He needs to take one step at a time. It is a big step up from playing in the Championship to the Premier League and this will be another one.
“There is a lot of talent in that squad, but just getting in there is hard. They are two fantastic games and I am sure he is excited but we need his focus here in the next couple of days and a good performance against Brighton on Saturday.”
Abraham has scored four goals in 10 Premier League appearances for the Swans, while he also netted in the Carabao Cup win at MK Dons.
He has taken the switch to the top tier in his stride having excelled while on loan in the Championship with Bristol City last season.
Now Abraham is poised to follow Shelvey’s lead and Clement has welcomed Gareth Southgate’s decision to promote the young striker from the England Under-21 squad.
“I think he will cope well with being in the England senior squad because he is a confident young man,” he added.
“He needs to make sure he takes it in his stride and stay grounded, and I am sure the people around him will help him do that.
“It’s very pleasing news, particularly for Tammy but also for our club and for his parent club Chelsea,” said the Swans manager.
“It’s a pleasant surprise for us to see someone who we have brought in and who has done well rewarded with his first call-up at that level.
“His goal-scoring is the big thing, but I think in recent games he has shown that his all-round game is developing too.
“He got a lovely assist against Arsenal. His back-to-goal play is improving and so is his defensive work.
“He is making positive steps. He has been picked on merit and we wish him well.
“I don’t see it as a hindrance for us at all. It’s a very positive thing that a young player has been recognised and now has the chance to become only the second Swansea player after Jonjo Shelvey to be capped by England.”
Abraham look certain to lead the Swans’ attack at home against Brighton on Saturday, with Wilfried Bony rated as no better than 50-50 to recover full fitness after a hamstring injury.
Clement has also confirmed that Martin Olsson and Renato Sanches remain injured, whilst club captain Leon Britton will miss the game through illness.