Hudson-Odoi motivated to target England return

Callum Hudson-Odoi says he has proved to himself he can continuously make an impact as he aims to claw his way back into the England squad.

The winger has three caps for England, having made his international debut under Gareth Southgate in March 2019.

He came on as a substitute in a 5-0 victory over Czechia in a Euro 2020 qualifier, becoming the youngest player to represent England in a competitive England match at 18, breaking Duncan Edwards’ 64-year-old record.

However, he suffered an Achilles injury while playing for Chelsea a month later, halting his progress as he suffered several other fitness setbacks.

Now at Nottingham Forest, he has played a key role in helping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side push for a Champions League place, with the team currently third in the Premier League.

Hudson-Odoi has seven goal involvements this season (five goals, two assists) and has scored in three of his last six Premier League matches for Forest.

“I don’t want to prove anything to anybody,” he told BBC Sport.

“It is about proving to myself that I can still be that player I was – to go back to a level where I knew I was going to score or assist – and be that confident where I know I am going to impact in every game.”

Four of Hudson-Odoi’s last six Premier League goals for Forest have put his side ahead, while his only two winning goals in the competition have come this season (against Liverpool in September and against Manchester City in March).

He has completed the joint-most dribbles for Forest in the Premier League (30/48), while only Morgan Gibbs-White (41) and Anthony Elanga (39) have created more chances than him in the competition (37).

Hudson-Odoi has also played a key role in their run to the FA Cup quarter-finals, scoring the winning penalty in their shoot-out triumph over Ipswich Town in the fifth round.

His form this term led many to believe he would be in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, but he missed out on a place in the 26-man party.

Hudson-Odoi played under Tuchel at Chelsea, where the two had their differences as the German told journalists he was not happy with his approach to training.

“We had our differences at times, and that is normal. Every player and coach has their differences,” he said of working with Tuchel.

“Like [when Tuchel had me] playing wing-back, and I am like, ‘why am I here?’ But it was to benefit the team, and it benefits myself, helping me work on my defensive game.

“It’s good that we had that moment, and we have talked about it. He is an amazing manager, and he knows how to get the best out of players.

“If the possibility and chance [for England] comes – I will have to go there and prove myself all over again.

“I just control what I can control. It’s about enjoying my football once again, smiling and being positive.”

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— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 19, 2025

With two months left of the season, Hudson-Odoi is dreaming of success under Nuno, with a first FA Cup triumph since 1958-59 in sight, as well as their first taste of Europe’s top-tier competition since 1980-81.

“This season, everything has just changed – from mentality to determination,” he added.

“It’s just a big drive from us, and we are trying to push each other every day. We know we have the ability to do this.

“We know where we are, but we have to keep dreaming and believing that as a team.”