As a child he cheered Plymouth Argyle on from the terraces at Home Park. On Sunday Christian Walton returns a man as England Under-20s No1.
Walton, who joined Plymouth at the age of 10 before leaving for Championship outfit Brighton & Hove Albion in February 2013, was in fine form for England U20s as they beat Mexico 4-2 on penalties following their 1-1 draw at The Hive on Wednesday.
England v USA
U20 International Match
3pm, Sunday 29 March 2015
Home Park, Plymouth Argyle FC
Call 0845 872 3335 for tickets
Attention now turns to the second part of the double-header as the Young Lions welcome USA to England, and it is a game Walton has had his eye on since it was confirmed.
“I can’t wait,” he told TheFA.com. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve only had the chance to come back to the stadium once since I left, so it will be a really special night.
“The pitch is the one I’ve dreamt about playing on since I was a kid.”
Walton has played at the stadium once before in a youth game, but left Plymouth before he was old enough to appear for the first 11.
Ahead of his return as an England player he revealed it is a club and a town he still holds close to his heart – and that coming back to his beloved Home Park will be a special moment for him and his family.
The home of Plymouth Argyle, where England U20s take on USA on Sunday
“I was a season ticket holder at Plymouth for seven years,” he added.
“I used to go to all the home games and quite a few away trips as well. I’m still a fan of the club now, you never lose that.
“I played an FA Youth Cup game at Home Park, but I think I’ve only played there a couple of times – but I’ve never played a competitive league game there.”
Since he left Plymouth two years ago, Walton has developed a reputation as one of the finest young goalkeepers in the country.
He made his Brighton & Hove Albion debut in October 2014 against Tottenham Hotspur in a League Cup match at White Hart Lane.
It was a day he says he will never forget.
Christian Walton was in fine form against Mexico at The Hive on Wednesday
“We did a training session on the morning of the game at a local ground near the hotel where we were staying,” recalled the 19-year-old.
“Afterwards the manager came over to me and told me that I’d be starting that night. I had no idea, so it was an incredible feeling.
"On the way back to the hotel I was a little bit nervous and I didn’t really know where to look.
“When I got back I had time to ring my dad, and luckily enough he was able to jump on a train from Cornwall to get there just in time.”
For now though Walton is focused on building on his blossoming international reputation as he travels to Plymouth as part of the first England team to visit the city since the U21s took on Poland there in 1989.
“I’m certain the people of Plymouth will come out and get behind the boys”
Christian Walton
“It’s a long long time. To think that it was before any of the players that will be on the pitch were born shows that,” Walton added.
“Hopefully there’ll be a big turnout on the night. There’s a few boys from Plymouth who could be in the team as well, so that could give it an extra edge for the local people.
“For England to come to that part of the country, after so long away, can only be a good thing and I’m certain the people of Plymouth will come out and get behind the boys – against what promises to be strong opposition at a very high standard.”
Tickets for the game are on sale now and are priced at £3 for adults, £1.50 for concessions.
