England U21 captain Lewis Cook desperate to cap off dream year with Toulon Tournament win against Mexico
BOURNEMOUTH star Lewis Cook is desperate to end a whirlwind year by lifting yet another trophy for England.
The midfielder, 21, became the country's first captain since Bobby Moore to lift a World Cup trophy last summer with the Under-20s success in South Korea.
Former Leeds United ace Cook followed that up by making his senior debut for the Three Lions in March against Italy.
Last month he was named as one of the five stand-by players for Gareth Southgate's England squad for Russia.
But instead of being sat at home waiting for a call to replace someone, Cook has been busy in action captaining Aidy Boothroyd's U21s.
After coming from behind to defeat Scotland 3-1 on Wednesday, Cook is now just one game away from capping off a dream year and lifting another trophy for his country at the Toulon Tournament.
Reflecting on a remarkable few months, Cook told SunSport: "A year ago if you'd have asked me I probably wouldn't have believed that the things that have happened would have. Football's like that, it's so up and down.
"But I always believe if you keep working hard the rewards will come and I'll keep doing that.
FINAL COUNTDOWN England U21 vs Mexico U21 FREE: Live streaming, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Toulon Tournament Final
"I've really enjoyed the last year and it's 12 months I'll never forget. It's been brilliant and that's down to Bournemouth and everyone at the club helping me to get to this stage. Now I'm really looking forward to another big game."
Standing in the way of more glory is a tough Mexico side on Saturday night.
The two nations battled to a goalless draw in the group stage.
But Cook and his team-mates have come through a lot together, and the Yorkshireman believes this England group are more than capable of adding yet more silverware to their list of honours.
Cook said: "It's always great to get into a final of any international tournament. And there's a group of us out here that have come a long way from the start of our England careers.
"We know that we'll always give our best for each other, and we've done that out here and hopefully now we can go on and win it.
"Mexico have been impressive every time we have played them, they have a lot of good individuals and they play the game well.
"They are a really strong team but these are the type of games you are desperate to be involved in - especially in a final.
"It's certainly going to be a test but I believe we have enough talent, fight and belief in the team to go there and give it our all and enjoy a victory."
Having already had a taste of senior England action - and there still being a slim possibility of him being on the plane for Russia - Cook could have been tempted to take his foot off the gas in France.
But having been handed the armband by Boothroyd, the Cherries man insists he knows the responsibilities that carries.
And he is adamant that being on the stand-by list has not effected his mindset going into Toulon.
Cook said: "It's not been difficult. No matter what age group you are involved in, ultimately you are all involved in the same team - that's England.
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"From the younger groups right the way until first-team, every time you play for your country you know you have to give it your all and off the pitch conduct yourself in the right way.
"I've been focused on this but obviously I've been keeping my eye on the senior team as well with such a massive tournament coming up.
"But I'm captain of this team and I know my responsibility.
"No matter what level you play at you are always desperate to win and get your hands on trophies. That's why everyone got into the game. Hopefully we can get another accolade this weekend."