Lewis, 19 today, made his Three Lions bow on Monday and earned Player of the Match as Gareth Southgate’s men drew 1-1 with North Macedonia.
Wilkinson says the upward trajectory of Lewis – who was an Under-18 player less than two years ago – has been ‘unbelievable’.
And he stresses that this fast-track journey is a perfect case study for other starlets coming through the City system.
“The fact he was playing in the Under-18s 18 months ago and has now made his senior debut is unbelievable,” said Wilkinson.
“I think it can be hard for our players sometimes to think they can get in the first team or the level of the first team and the demands that are placed on them.
“So seeing someone like Rico on top of Phil [Foden] and Cole [Palmer] should give the boys real inspiration and motivation that if they work to their maximum, have the right attitude, believe in their ability and back themselves if and when they get their opportunity they’re ready to take it.
“We’re seeing real positive signs of that, obviously those three were in the England squad but there’s many more out there at the minute - James Trafford, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James McAtee, Tommy Doyle who are all on a similar trajectory doing great things for their age.
“So hopefully the boys see the pathway is there and it’s as good as it’s ever been.
“I think that puts everyone in a really good place to try and get better again this season.”
The rise and rise of Lewis is a testament to the hard work done behind-the-scenes by our Academy staff in recruiting and developing players at the start of their careers.
Just last night, Lewis, Palmer and Foden - three starlets who have come through our system - were involved with the Euro 2020 runners-up and World Cup 2022 quarter-finalists.
Wilkinson believes the Academy deserves ‘massive credit’ for its role in these success stories.
But he’s adamant that Lewis’s elevation to both the City and England senior set-ups is also down to his own ability to take the chances offered to him at every stage of his journey.
Wilkinson is not surprised by his rapid ascent, due to his ability, industry and mentality.
“He always stood out as being a top player,” added Wilkinson.
“The two years I worked with him, he was absolutely fantastic. But the trajectory he has gone on from 18 months ago - his last game would have been the Under-18s final against Southampton - to now making a first team senior international start for England, the trajectory is probably ahead of anything anyone could have dreamed of.
“That’s credit to him and how much he, first and foremost, impressed the manager last season in pre-season with not only his ability but also his work ethic and his mentality to get better.
“And then living that day-in and day-out over the course of last season, getting the opportunities he got and then performing has maybe put him into that next arena, really.
“Obviously there were a couple of withdrawals from the England squad and he got his opportunity. And the one thing about Rico is when he gets his opportunity at any level, as a person who’s worked with him, he certainly won’t be overawed by it and I think he’s one of these players who rises at whatever level he plays at.
“I don’t think we would predicted it to go as quick as it has but we always knew he had it in him.
“Obviously having that level of ability and getting the opportunity in the modern game are two different things.
“He deserves massive credit for the way he’s earned his opportunity. He’s gone and taken it every time he’s stepped up.
“His ability is as good as it gets in terms of technically what he can do as a footballer, receiving the ball under pressure, his awareness of space, his awareness of the next pass is as good as you see in a young player and probably senior players.
“But his mentality to get better every single day, to work and how he understands the game is what separates him.
“It’s not easy to go and impress our manager so much and so quickly and obviously he’s done it in the England set-up as well.
“I think his ability combined with his work ethic and mentality gives him a real chance every time he steps up to a new level which is a credit to him and his family as well and the way they’ve brought him up.”
