Sancho and Nelson behind Kenny's Schake loan move

Kenny, 22, will spend the 2019/20 campaign in the Bundesliga, after being restricted to just nine Premier League appearances at Everton last term.

Whilst awaiting his chance on Merseyside, Kenny watched on in awe as Sancho enjoyed his breakout season at senior level - just a year after moving to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City as a 17-year-old - while Arsenal loanee Nelson gained some invaluable first-team experience under Julian Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim.

Between them, the English duo had a direct hand in 33 Bundesliga goals.

Watch: Jadon Sancho topped the Bundesliga assist charts in 2018/19

“When you see what Jadon Sancho has been doing in the Bundesliga since joining Dortmund, it's astonishing," Kenny told spox.com. "Even at his age, he has achieved great things and managed to become one of the biggest stars of English football.

"Reiss had a very good experience, too. He developed a lot and raved about the Bundesliga - especially the stadiums and fans. He felt really good at Hoffenheim and advised me to make the move to Germany.

"The Bundesliga can be a good step for young Englishmen. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Kenny, who represented England at this summer's UEFA U21 Euros in Italy and San Marino, also said how new Schalke coach David Wagner influenced his decision to move to the Bundesliga.

"I know him from the Premier League and think he's a great coach," he said of the former Dortmund reserves and Huddersfield Town boss.

“You've seen what he has achieved with Huddersfield and I'm convinced he can make me a better player. I am very happy and can hardly wait for it to finally start."

Kenny could become the 16th Englishman to play in the Bundesliga, when Schalke begin their 2019/20 league campaign with a trip to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 17 August.