The midfielder led his country to European Championship success last week in Malta as John Peacock’s youngsters defeated Holland in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in the Final.
To celebrate the squad’s achievements, all players and staff were invited as guests of The Football Association for the senior team’s match against Peru on Friday, and they received a rapturous ovation as they paraded the trophy they won around the pitch prior to kick-off.
“To walk around the pitch at Wembley before a big England game, parading the trophy is a dream."
Ryan Ledson
Ledson said it has been a “whirlwind” since that memorable night in Malta last Wednesday, but the success he and his team-mates achieved is only now starting to resonate with the 17-year-old.
Speaking to TheFA.com at Wembley, Ledson said: “We are still absolutely buzzing. Winning the European Championship was such a great achievement – but I think it is only sinking in now how big it was.
“To walk around the pitch at Wembley before a big England game, parading the trophy is a dream. All the lads loved it and the reception we got was brilliant from the fans – on behalf of the lads I’d like to thank the supporters.
“Every one of them seemed to be clapping and I think now it is sinking in what we achieved as a team.”
And the combination of lifting the trophy and the ovation from the Wembley faithful has only served to whet the appetite of Ledson as he eyed his next visit to the National Stadium.
He added: “You look at the likes of Ross Barkley who is with the senior squad this evening and four years ago it was him in our situation after he won the Euros.
“It just shows what can be achieved in four years and the squad we have certainly has the talent to emulate that and make it through to the top level.”
He added: “I am so proud to have led these boys and lifted the cup for them – the lap of honour was another special moment.
“I’m sure it will make us all the more determined to return here – but next time hopefully we’ll be the ones out on the pitch.”
