Rico Lewis spent the European Championship final alone at home, surrounded by his two maltipoos. His girlfriend was away in Spain, and his friends preferred a more lively atmosphere. Lewis opted for a solo viewing, analyzing the game from a tactical perspective rather than enjoying it as a fan.

“I don’t think I can watch football for enjoyment anymore,” the teenager admitted. “With England or Manchester City, I’d always watch from a tactical point of view, where you see little things.” This level of maturity and understanding has set him apart from his peers, earning him a significant number of appearances under Pep Guardiola and a first senior cap from Gareth Southgate.

Although Guardiola won’t be around forever, and Southgate has already departed, Lewis is already planning for the next decade. Initially, he broke through as a right-back, but now he’s looking to evolve into a more attacking role. “In my head, I want to be more of a No 8,” he revealed. “A bit more attacking. You have to make a decision about what kind of player you want to be.”

The Manchester City star made 16 Premier League appearances last season as Pep Guardiola’s side retained their title

Lewis impressed when deployed as a high midfielder in a pre-season friendly with Bayern Munich last summer

Lewis’ vision is to become a more influential player, capable of controlling the tempo of the game. He believes that his intelligence and ability to read the game will allow him to excel in a more attacking role. “Games are mostly won and lost in midfield,” he emphasized.

He has already demonstrated his capabilities in midfield, impressing in a pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich and performing well alongside Rodri in a crucial game against Crystal Palace. The private tuition he receives from Rodri has been invaluable, with Lewis crediting the Spanish midfielder with improving his understanding of the game. “He takes you away and tells you what he sees – nine times out of 10, he’s right,” Lewis said.

Lewis’ ambition is to become a regular starter for both Manchester City and England. He has already made his debut for the national team and is eager to earn more caps. “When you get a taste of England, you just want more,” he said. “Seeing them do so well in the Euros, you want to be a part of it.”

The City academy graduate was rewarded for his performances with a first senior England cap in November

Lewis has also appeared regularly for England’s Young Lions, and backed Lee Carsley to step up and take the vacant senior job

Lewis has already demonstrated his ability to adapt to different roles and formations. He believes that his experience with the Under-21s, under Lee Carsley, has prepared him well for the senior team. “He’s a great coach, especially with his man management,” Lewis said. “What he says, every time I go with them, is that he wants to play that exciting football.”

Lewis is confident that Carsley’s approach would be a perfect fit for the senior team. “Similar to Gareth when he took over, he’s going to be somebody that if he goes up to the first team, then he’s used to that environment already. I think that will massively benefit him in terms of knowing the players.”