Adam Armstrong reveals his thoughts on his Newcastle future after England and Blackburn success

Adam Armstrong took another stride forward for his country this summer '“ now he wants to take the next steps with Newcastle United.
Adam Armstrong.Adam Armstrong.
Adam Armstrong.

Armstrong was part of the England Under-21 side which won the Toulon Tournament last month.

The forward had also helped England’s Under-20s win the World Cup last year.

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Armstrong is back at Newcastle after spending the second half of last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, who won promotion to the Championship.

The 21-year-old, originally on England’s standby list, had been on holiday when he got a call for the Toulon Tournament.

“It was mental,” said Armstrong, who could face Hull City at the KCOM Stadium tonight. “I was on standby at first. I was actually away on holiday when I got the call. I was straight back. I had to take it. If I didn’t go, I would have regretted it massively. It’s your country. I did well.”

He added: “It was my first England Under-21s call-up, and I took the opportunity when I got it. We had a good side there, and obviously won the tournament. I chipped in with a few goals, which was nice. It was a good summer.”

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Armstrong won praise from England Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd.

“I spoke to Aidy after it, and he had high hopes for me,” said Armstrong. “I’ve got to push on.”

Armstrong and Newcastle team-mate Freddie Woodman have enjoyed international success at each age group.

“The World Cup was huge,” said Armstrong, who has another two years left on his United contract. “That was probably the best one I’ve had in my career. You see other youngsters winning.

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“We’ve had the same group, roughly, all the way up to Under-21s. We all know each other inside out now, because we’ve been playing with each other since Under-16s.

“We were going into every game thinking ‘no-one’s going to beat us’. That was the mentality we had. It showed when we won the World Cup and the Toulon as well.”

Armstrong – who came off the bench in last week’s 2-0 win over St Patrick’s Athletic – is now focused on his club career.

“For me, it’s taking every day as it comes,” said Armstrong, who has made 21 first-team appearances for Newcastle.

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“I’m training hard. No-one’s said I’m going out on loan or leaving or staying. I’ve just got to keep on working every day and showing the gaffer what I can do.”

Armstrong had joined Blackburn in January after a six-month loan at Bolton Wanderers ended.

“Blackburn was great for me,” said Armstrong, who scored nine goals for the League One club.

“I needed to be scoring goals, and to help Blackburn get promoted was huge. They’re a massive club and should be in the Championship, even higher. I hope they have a good season as well and can push on as well.”

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Armstrong – who has also had loans at Coventry City, Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers – followed his boyhood from afar last season.

“I still speak to the lads when I’m away, and seeing them do well makes me happy as a Newcastle fan,” said Armstrong.