CAMERON Carter-Vickers has left his former school ‘immensely proud’ after becoming a regular in the United States of America’s international squad.

Carter-Vickers, who excelled in a range of sports during his time at Eastwood Academy, started the United States’ international friendlies with the Republic of Ireland and France last week.

And Scott Wheeler, who is head of boys PE at the school, confirmed the Eastwood teachers have been following the 20-year-old’s progress.

Wheeler said: “Eastwood Academy is immensely proud of what Cameron has achieved.

“We keep up to date with what he is doing and he was out on loan with Sheffield United and Ipswich Town last season, where he did really well.

“He is a role model for our pupils because they know Cameron came here and it’s clear to them what can be achieved here if they show the same determination he did.

“He has now gone onto become an international footballer with the United States and it’s testament to how hard he has worked.

“He was going up against the likes of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe - who are regarded as some of the best players in the world - on Saturday.

“He played 90 minutes against one of the favourites to win the World Cup and that made us proud.”

Following loan spells in the Championship last season, Carter-Vickers has signed a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur until 2021.

Carter-Vickers, who was born in Southend, is thought to be highly-rated by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and seen as a rising star at the Premier League club.

And Wheeler believes the new deal shows Spurs see a lot of potential in Carter-Vickers.

“I taught Carter-Vickers for two-and-a-half years at Eastwood Academy and I could tell that he had the capabilities to enjoy a career in professional football,” added Wheeler.

“It was clear that if he continued at the same rate of progression, he would become a professional footballer.

“We used to play him in midfield so he could maximise his influence on the game, but he was also impressive in other sports.

“He still holds school records and won titles while involved in athletics and basketball.

“What he has achieved so far, at such a young age, is brilliant and we feel he is good enough to become a regular in the Premier League.

“The new contract shows Tottenham share our views.”

And Wheeler feels that Carter-Vickers would be in Russia eagerly awaiting the start of the World Cup had the United States qualified.

He admitted: “He has started the last few games, so I think he would have gone to the World Cup had they qualified.

“Hopefully we will see him in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”