Chrissy Willock has been speaking to the FA after the announcement that he would be the vice captain for England u17’s at the World Cup in Chile which kicks off this weekend.

The 17-year-old, who is highly regarded at Arsenal, has enjoyed a great year and all the plaudits that come with the sort of top-level performances he’s been delivering on a regular basis.

BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Christopher Willock of England during the U17 Euro Elite Qualifying Round match between England and Norway at the Pirelli Stadium on March 21, 2015 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images)
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Christopher Willock of England during the U17 Euro Elite Qualifying Round match between England and Norway at the Pirelli Stadium on March 21, 2015 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

“That was my first experience of being captain [against DR Congo last week],” Willock said. “I really enjoyed it. I felt like I had more responsibility than usual to the team and I was trying to give out a lot more encouragement that usual.

“It was a good experience and I think it did inspire me a little bit. I was delighted to get a goal too – I was pleased with that.

“I’m proud that Neil has given me this responsibility for the tournament and it’s a big role. I’ll be encouraging the boys on and off the field, and make sure I’m there for those that aren’t in the team.

“I’ll be helping Tom [Davies, u17 captain] out as best I can as it’s a big role for the both us. We need to keep everybody focused and ensuring we keep working hard as a group.”

BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Christopher Willock (C) of England is tackled by Henrik Bredeli (L) and John Saeter of Norway during the U17 Euro Elite Qualifying Round match between England and Norway at the Pirelli Stadium on March 21, 2015 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images)
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Christopher Willock (C) of England is tackled by Henrik Bredeli (L) and John Saeter of Norway during the U17 Euro Elite Qualifying Round match between England and Norway at the Pirelli Stadium on March 21, 2015 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

The striker has made the headlines recently for his great goal against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Youth League before netting for his country in their 8-0 over DR Congo and he’s looking to keep finding the back of the net.

“I’ve started to score a lot more goals this season and I think I’m starting to improve in that aspect. Hopefully I’ll be able to carry that on at the World Cup.

“I think I’ve started to be a little more selfish in front of goal. Sometimes before I’d like to pass when I’d be better off having a go myself, so I’ve started to take things on by myself and I think that has really helped me.

“After training I’ve also started practising a lot more, different finishes, and that’s helped me a lot too.

“When you look at people like Raheem Sterling who were involved four years ago it’s a good role model to inspire to be like,”

“He’s a very good player and I see things in his game that I try to copy.

“I really want to do well at this tournament and seeing the progress he has made since appearing in 2011 gives a lot of inspiration to myself and the lads.”

“I’m really excited [for the World Cup] and the boys are too. We are desperate to perform well and start with a win, but we know we’re going to have to work really hard to get it.

“It’s really important to start with a victory, you can then carry that form with you.

“Hopefully if we do that then we can build some momentum to carry on in to the tournament.”

England will play Guinea, Brazil and South Korea in the group stages of the competition with their first game on Saturday, 8pm UK time.