Yahoo Sport 
Pablo Fornals thanks West Ham squad and coaching staff after first Spain call-up
Pablo Fornals says his Spain call-up is a victory for the whole West Ham squad and staff and shows the direction the club are heading in.
The midfielder, who has not played for his country since 2016 but was on standby for Euro 2020 following a Covid scare in Luis Enrique's camp, has made a flying start to the season with two goals in three games.
West Ham manager David Moyes is keen for more international experience in his ranks and winger Jarrod Bowen also came close to a first England call-up having been put on alert by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
With Declan Rice already a vital cog with England, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal starters for the Czech Republic and France international Kurt Zouma having signed, the Hammers boss is realising his goal.
Fornals is the latest but says the call-up is a reflection of the work everyone at the London Stadium is doing.
The Spaniard said: “It is massive for me but it is not just for me, it shows the great shape the team is in right now, how we are playing and working. It is Pablo Fornals going to play for Spain because I am Spanish, but in a way it is a call-up for the whole team. Everyone is in great shape and has a chance to go to their national team.
“It is really nice for us and our fans to know we have great players who are international players."
Fornals had hoped to add more goals to his game this season and has flourished when arriving in the box on the counter, linking wonderfully with Michail Antonio - himself close to becoming an international with Jamaica - for the opening goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
“Michail is in a great place," said Fornals. "Scoring week in, week out and it is massive for us, not just his goals but his work rate. We are really happy to have him in our team and see how he is developing."
Read More
Nikola Vlasic: West Ham close to £25.7m deal for Croatia star after Kurt Zouma transfer
Kurt Zouma: West Ham sign £29.8m Chelsea FC defender
West Ham 2-2 Crystal Palace: Conor Gallagher brace sees London rivals share Premier League points
David Moyes unhappy with London Stadium pitch after West Ham vs Crystal Palace draw
