Southampton defender Luke Shaw it feels “unbelievable” to be included in Roy Hodgson’s England squad.
The 18-year-old was called-up to the seniors on Wednesday afternoon for next week’s international with Denmark at Wembley and says he is still in shock.
“It’s a very proud day,” said Shaw. “I still can’t actually believe it’s happened. For me to be 18 and to get called into the senior England team is unbelievable.
“I was always thinking that I’d get an Under-21 call-up today, so to get a senior call-up is unbelievable and I am still shocked.
“To get a senior
call-up is unbelievable and I am still shocked.”
Luke Shaw
“I’ve seen the speculation on Twitter over the past month, and I try to ignore that but there was so much that I thought maybe this could be my chance and I could get a call-up. I got the call and I am so proud.”
Shaw joins Saints team-mates Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez in the 30-man squad and says it is a massive confidence booster.
He explained: “I spoke to Roy himself and he said that I’d been called into the senior team on merit and told me to just keep doing what I’m doing.
“When he rang me, I was shocked – I didn’t know what to say. He’s going to be at the game on Saturday so hopefully I can show him what I can do again.
“This is a massive confidence boost for me, and I’m sure I’ll be raring to go on Saturday to grab three points off Liverpool.”
And following his call-up, Shaw was quick to heap praise on those who have helped and supported him throughout his development.
Speaking to Southampton’s website, he added: “The main reason I’m here is my family.
“My mum and dad spent a lot of years travelling down to Southampton to bring me down here and push me.
“It was hard for them, so there was a lot of hard work not only for me but for them. They’d drive me down on a Monday night when I had school the next morning and they had work.
“I just can’t wait to get training and to see what it’s all about.”
Luke Shaw
“Everyone at this club has played a massive part in my development, and I just want to keep pushing on.
“Like I said, I still can’t believe this has happened. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to get going.
“I just can’t wait to get training and to see what it’s all about. Hopefully I’ll get some game-time in the friendly, keep my performances up for Southampton and then who knows what will happen?”
England face Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday 5 March 2014. Tickets are available here.
