Dominic Solanke is back in the England senior squad after nearly seven years away.

The striker returns as a far more experienced player, having enjoyed success at Bournemouth before making a positive start to his Tottenham career after a summer move.

In an excerpt from a longer interview in Thursday's matchday programme for the game with Greece at Wembley Stadium, he opens up on his journey back into the international fold.

Congratulations on your call-up to the England squad. How do you reflect on the last time you put on an England shirt for your senior debut against Brazil back in 2017? 

"Making my senior debut for England is something I’ll never ever forget. I think that’s what every kid dreams of. Not just becoming a footballer but representing your country is a whole other level. Especially against Brazil at home, at Wembley. It couldn’t really get much better than that. That’s definitely one of the highlights of my career."

You’ve been capped by England at every youth level. How do you reflect on that journey from the Under-16s to the senior team? 

"Going back to some of the first years in the England youth set up and the (2014) Under-17 Euro Championship which we won - that was a great memory. I’ll never forget that. It was one of the highlights of my youth career without any doubt. I was away in Malta with so many of my friends in the England team. I was still doing my GCSEs at that stage, so I was still studying while away at the tournament which is a funny memory. They were great memories and to win things at that age just gives you motivation to win more in your career. I won the tournament’s top scorer, joint with a player from the Dutch national team (Jari Schuurman), who we played in the final. From there, we went on to win quite a few things and get quite far in a lot of tournaments."

You scored nine goals in 18 appearances for England Under-21s between 2015 and 2019. How much did you enjoy playing at that level?

"I loved playing for England throughout all the age groups, especially in the Under-21s when you are getting a bit closer to the seniors, you know you’re just one step away. It’s very good to represent your country, especially at that age. I didn’t quite manage to win anything with the Under-21s. We had a great team and a lot of the boys stayed with the team throughout all the age groups. Many of them are still close friends of mine now. I have some great memories from playing in the Under-21s."

You signed for Spurs from Bournemouth over the summer having previously played for Chelsea, Vitesse (loan) and Liverpool. How do you reflect on your club career to date?

"I’ve had quite a journey in football. Everyone’s journey is different and I wouldn’t change it. I’ve had a lot of ups and a lot of downs as well but I think that’s made me who I am today on and off the pitch. I’m grateful for everything and hopefully I can carry on my form. I’m improving all the time and I feel like, at the moment, I’m full of confidence. I feel like my game’s improved a lot and I’m at that point in my career where it’s all starting to come together."