Marco Silva believes Emile Smith Rowe’s strong start to his Fulham career is partly fuelled by a desire to return to the England squad.
The former Arsenal attacking midfielder has scored twice and created a further goal in his first six Premier League appearances since his summer move to Craven Cottage and his creativity has helped the Whites climb to sixth in the table after an excellent start to the new campaign.
Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:
“He is motivated [by England] definitely. He’s enjoying his football, enjoying his team-mates, enjoying the way we’ve been playing. He fits really well in the way we want to play, fits really well in some aspects where he’s been decisive for us. He’s going to improve. We have to be really pleased with the impact he’s already had in our squad. But I think he is going to improve more and more and more.
About the national team, of course it’s always a proud moment for any English player. We are here to help him. It has to be a goal for him, definitely. Some time ago he was there. It was just one or two caps, but he was there. He felt the moment for sure. It has to be a goal for him to fight for it. The competition in his position is top.
He has this goal, and we are here to help him to reach his best level for this football club. Of course, when you play at a top level in your football club, you are always there, knocking on the door to be called up by your national team.”
Silva confirmed that Fulham have no new injury worries ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester City.
“No big changes from last week. Jorge Cuenca is still out. Carlos Vinicius is still out. All the other players are going to be available for the match.”
