After a manic dash to grab his passport, Rico Henry is hoping to cap a whirlwind few days by making his international debut on Thursday.
The Walsall left-back has been a regular for the League One side this campaign after making his senior bow aged only 16.
His form was rewarded when he was handed a late call-up to fly out to Holland with England Under-19s on Tuesday after training with Aidy Boothroyd’s squad at St. George’s Park.
Holland v England
Under-19s International
Thursday 12 November
Juliana Sportpark, Netherlands
Having accepted the invitation, the 18-year-old had to make a swift dash home to grab his passport before joining back up with his new team-mates at the airport.
“He’s a level-headed kid who just gets his head down and wants to work and get better,” Walsall boss Dean Smith told the Express and Star.
“He was invited to go and train with them and he’s impressed enough for them to want to take him to Holland with them.
“It’s great news for Rico and his family, and the club as well.”
Should Henry be selected on Thursday against the Dutch or in Sunday’s clash with Japan at Manchester City then he will become the first Saddlers player to be capped at England youth level since Ishmel Demontagnac, who also played for the U19s in 2006.
England U19s play Japan in Manchester at 3pm on Sunday 15 November.
Tickets for the game with Japan cost just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. Click here for more details
