Charlie Austin hopes his route to the England squad will inspire others to emulate his achievement.
Along with fellow new-boy Jamie Vardy, Austin spent the early stages of his career in non-league and only made his breakthrough in 2008 with Swindon Town.
Republic of Ireland v England
International match
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
1pm Sunday 7 June 2015
Live on ITV 1
Austin's meteoric rise continued last season, as he hit 18 goals in 26 appearances for Queens Park Rangers, and the forward is thankful his hard work was rewarded with a call-up.
"I was delighted when I found out I was called into the England squad," said Austin.
"The first two days [of training] have gone well for me. My dreams are coming true. Hard work is always the goal.
Charlie Austin speaks to the press
"People from the lower leagues are still dreaming they can make the step up to play professionally and then play for the national team.
"I believe that people below us are looking at me and Jamie [Vardy] and see that it can be done.
"We bounce off each other and speak. I don't know the full story from Jamie's background. I know we both came from non-league, I played in the south and Jamie played in the north.
"Me and Jamie coming here gives people the opportunity if they work as hard as they can and achieve their dreams."
Austin could make his debut in England's friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday and is relishing the prospect of a partnership with Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney.
"Looking from afar to training with him close up, Wayne will be a great person to strike up a partnership with," he said.
"I think it's going to be a big event. Playing against Scotland in November means we will be suited to what's going on. I believe we can go to Ireland and put on a good performance."
