Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe: 'Lewis Cook can build on England debut'

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has said that Lewis Cook must focus on his club form if he is to remain in the hunt for a spot in England's World Cup squad.

On Tuesday night, Cook came off the bench against Italy to make his first appearance for the Three Lions, and the 21-year-old is now considered to be an outsider to make Gareth Southgate's final 23-man group.

However, while acknowledging the positives from Cook's outing on the international stage, Howe has said that the player must concentrate on maintaining his form for the Cherries.

At a press conference, the 40-year-old told reporters: "I think it can give him that self-belief and confidence. The aim for him now is to try and improve everyday as he has done since he has been here.

"We want to help him try and get there but he has to take his form with us. That is the priority and he really needs to focus on our next game."

Cook has made 23 appearances for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season.