The full-back spoke about how he found out the news of his inclusion to replace Manchester United’s Brandon Williams in Keith Downing’s Three Lions camp, and reflected on a busy 24 hours.
He said, “I got told on Monday that I was potentially needed, then got a phone call from John Morling at about 11.30am, before getting a flight over to Portugal at about 4pm in the afternoon.
“It’s all happened very quickly but it’s obviously a massive honour. I met up with the lads about seven o’clock last night. It’s something I didn’t expect but I’m absolutely delighted. It’s now about me going and expressing myself in training and enjoying every moment.
“All my family and friends are very proud, I’ve had plenty of messages and everyone’s delighted for me. My phone’s been going off non-stop with people saying how proud they are of me and now I just want to go and make them even prouder.”
Cochrane links up with a squad that includes the likes of Newcastle United’s Matty Longstaff and Arsenal’s Emile Smith-Rowe - with the Albion man having come up against the latter when the Seagulls met the Gunners on the opening day of the Premier League 2.
“There’s a lot of quality in the group and some very talented players. That’s been shown by their involvement in the Premier League and Europe for their club’s senior squads,” he continued.
“The group itself is very humble and I felt welcome straight away, I can’t thank everyone enough for how well they’ve helped me settle in.
“I’d say this is probably up there as one of the proudest moments of my career so far, very close to how I felt when I made my senior debut, so it really is a great honour.”
The 19-year-old made his senior debut for the club against Aston Villa at the Amex in the Carabao Cup, and is happy with his recent development after also signing a new two-year deal in the summer.
“I’ve made good progression in my career recently and I’m just taking every day in my stride, without looking too far into the future.
“That’s the best way to approach it. I’ve kept working hard and now I’m starting to get the rewards for that. I’m delighted with the progress I’m making at Brighton and I can’t thank the coaching staff - and everyone behind the scenes at the club – enough. They’ve made me both a better player and a better person.
“The season’s started well this year. I’ve captained the side on occasions and I’d like to think this call-up reflects that. I wanted to kick on after signing the new deal in the summer and take my game to another level. I feel like there’s more to come from me and I’ll keep working hard to make sure that happens.”