Conte: Tottenham player can break into England side, but can be affected by pressure

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Antonio Conte has told Tuesday’s press conference that Tottenham star Ryan Sessegnon could become a future England international. However, the Italian did state that the left-footer is culpable to being affected by pressure.

Sessegnon, 21, arguably produced his best display in a Tottenham shirt since joining Spurs for £25million from Fulham in 2019 – during Saturday’s stunning 3-2 win over Manchester City. He lasted the entire 90 minutes.

It was only his 23rd senior appearance for Tottenham, given he spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Sessegnon is expected to retain his place on Wednesday against Burnley.

Speaking about Sessegnon following on from his display on Saturday, Conte was full of praise. While he feels Sessegnon does feel the effects of pressure, he predicted that the wing-back could become an England international.

“Sess in my vision, can become an important player. He is young, he is strong physically and fast, has a good engine, a resilience. He has good quality. Sometimes I think he feels a bit of pressure,” Conte said.

“With me, he has played important games. It means I trust him. He is another that can become important, also for England. But the first person that has to be convinced is himself. I trust him like I trust all the players.”

Conte on Sessegnon: Tottenham star now has some momentum

Despite being hooked against Wolves after 28 minutes, Sessegnon has now started three of Tottenham’s last four Premier League matches. He has had to wait, and the injury suffered by Sergio Reguilon has helped his cause.

But now, after his performance against Manchester City, some of the pressure that has weighed him down – according to Conte – has been lifted. He needs a good display against Burnley to keep that momentum going.

For Sessegnon, this promises to be the most-optimistic spell in terms of game time since his move to Tottenham. If Spurs can get him firing on all cylinders, he could be a real weapon in their pursuit of the top four.