FORMER York City star Ben Godfrey is aiming to become a regular at his new club Everton - and believes that doing so can pave the way for an England call-up.

The 22-year-old defender, who already has England Under-21 honours, says that making the next step “would be massive”.

And with the calibre of personnel surrounding him at Goodison Park, there are plenty of people who can teach him a thing or two, from world-renowned manager Carlo Ancelotti through to fellow young, aspiring Yorkshiremen Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

When asked about international hopes, Godfrey, speaking exclusively to The Press, said: “I want to be a regular in Everton’s team.

“It’s every English footballer’s dream to represent the country at senior level. I’m fortunate enough to do it at the under-21 level.

“It’s a great time to be a part of it because there’s actually a pathway now for young players into that senior team. If you find yourself playing well regularly in the Premier League for Everton, there is a chance you could get that call-up, and that’s what I will continue to work towards.

“It’s already a proud moment for me and my family to represent the England Under-21s but to go that bit further for the seniors would be massive.”

Centre-back Holgate, a 24-year-old from Doncaster, is also looking for his first senior international appearance. Sheffield-born Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, scored on his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side after making a blazing start to his club campaign, the 23-year-old netting 11 times in all competitions, including two hat-tricks.

Bradford-born Fabian Delph, meanwhile, is a seasoned England international with 19 caps.

“We’ve got a good Yorkshire five-a-side team,” Godfrey joked, adding that there are lessons he can pick up from his young compatriots.

He added: “Obviously Mason’s a centre-back himself who’s played for Everton for a few years now, so he’s definitely someone I can learn from.

"He’s only the year above me but he’s had experiences that can help me, for sure.

“Dom’s another who has played for Everton for a few years but you still see him outside after training practising his finishing. He deserves every bit of form he’s getting at the minute.

“These are boys who have represented Everton a lot more times than myself so there are bits and pieces I can take. They’re great lads as well and I’m so appreciative of them being so welcoming.”

Following his move from Norwich City - to whom York sold him in 2016 - Godfrey says he is fitting in well at Everton's training ground Finch Farm, working alongside Scouse youngsters Jonjoe Kenny and England U21 team-mate Tom Davies, as well as international stars like Brazilian Richarlison and Colombian James Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, Three Lions goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been a near ever-present between the sticks for Everton while club captain Seamus Coleman - who has been with the Blues for 11 years since signing for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers - is also the Republic of Ireland skipper.

“I think that’s a good mix to have - there’s so much ability in this squad,” Godfrey.

“It’s great to have that English talent alongside world-class talent. It’s a great bunch of lads, they work hard and I can learn from them.”

The final piece of the puzzle, then, is three-time Champions League-winning manager Ancelotti, who also has four league titles in four different countries' top divisions to his name.

In all, the Italian has coached teams to 20 trophies.

“It’s a perfect scenario for me,” Godfrey enthused. “The manager has been through it all and done everything. The knowledge he can pass onto myself and the other boys is unbelievable.

“The amount I’ve gathered from him in just a few weeks is astronomical. It’s massive to be playing under him and I’m just looking forward to the future.”