'Made in Italy, Tuned in England' is how 19-year-old Harry Toffolo introduces himself on his Twitter account.
Born in Welwyn Garden City to an Italian father and English mother, the young left-back grew up in a football-mad family.
“My Dad was born in Venice in Italy and both my grandparents are Italian,” says the 19-year-old. “My mum is as English as you can get though – she’s from up north near Preston."
England v Mexico
U20 International Match
7.45pm, Wednesday 25 March 2015
The Hive, Barnet FC
Call 0208 381 3800 for tickets
Today, the young Swindon Town left-back – who is on loan for the season from Norwich City – has planted his flag in the Three Lions camp.
He is currently with the England Under-20s squad as they prepare for their double-header against Mexico and USA, in London and Plymouth respectively.
It is Toffolo’s first time back with the national team since he travelled to Slovenia with the Under-19s in October 2013.
However, the omissions were never something that overly concerned the confident teenager.
And after temporarily dropping down a division in search of regular football, the boy has become a man.
Harry Toffolo was a regular for Norwich Under-21s before he joined Swindon on loan in October 2014
"I was playing in [Norwich's] Under-21s and you’ve really got to be first-team senior football to remain in contention [for England]," he said.
"I knew I had to concentrate on my club if I was to have any opportunity to get back into the fold.
“I’ve grown up and matured a lot in the last six months. I'm now playing with players that have got mortgages on houses and it means so much more.
“At Under-21 level you’re playing with your mates and just training every day without many other concerns. This helps you grow up and get used to the real world.
“I feel a completely different person. To be playing regularly gives you a lot of confidence”
Harry Toffolo
“I feel a completely different person. To be playing regularly gives you a lot of confidence and that is what I’m feeling at the moment.”
Toffolo will be hoping to make his first return to England action on Wednesday as Aidy Boothroyd’s U20s take on one of the favourites for the FIFA U20 World Cup – Mexico.
The match takes place at The Hive in Barnet, not far from where his family allegiances lie.
And the Young Lions expects a large Toffolo contingent to be present in north London come game-time.
“My family are all huge Chelsea fans,” he continued. “When my mum and dad moved to London he wanted to follow a team.
“I was quite young at the time, but my older brother mentioned Roberto Di Matteo who was playing for Chelsea and Italy at the time.
“From then on the whole family supported Chelsea and I grew up doing the same.
Harry Toffolo was last in action for England for the Under-19s in October 2013
“A couple of years ago we all went to the Champions League final in Munich, and with Roberto Di Matteo in charge, we saw Chelsea win it.
"It was amazing for my dad as he was his idol.”
Fast-forward a year and Harry’s dad had his first family/football dilemma to face – when his son, representing Norwich, beat Chelsea in 2013 The FA Youth Cup final.
"He’s got three season tickets at Chelsea, but he always comes to my games on a Saturday.
“Before the Youth Cup game I went and took a picture from the season ticket seats and sent them to my dad. I asked him if he was going to be sat in them,” recalled Toffolo Jnr.
“He replied and said for a one-time only offer – at Stamford Bridge – he’ll be sitting in the away end."
Harry Toffolo will be in action for England Under-20s against Mexico at 7.45pm on Wednesday 24 March.
Tickets for the game are priced at £3 for adults, £1.50 for concessions.
