Chelsea attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi has admitted that he was shocked after earning his maiden call-up to the England national side. The under-17 World Cup winner has yet to make his Premier League debut for the Blues but he has still managed to make Gareth Southgate’s side after impressing with the limited game time in the Cup competitions.

Speaking to reporters, the 18-year-old acknowledged that the announcement came as a shock for him and initially considered the same as a joke from Under 21s boss Aidy Boothroyd, he said: “It’s been a crazy day but getting my first (senior) international call-up is an amazing feeling. Today has been a very long day for me because I had to travel to Bristol first for the U21s and then getting told that I have to come over here to St George’s Park. It’s been a crazy experience but I’m delighted to get the call and it’s a nice feeling to be here as well. I thought the manager was joking. I was shocked and then when I heard that I actually had to go over, I couldn’t believe it. I was delighted. It’s a dream come true.”

Hudson-Odoi’s selection has surely come as a surprise for the fans and pundits alike, given James Maddison would probably have been the outright choice to replace any injured player within the squad. However, it appears that Southgate has gone with the talent and potential over performances, and it remains to be seen whether the youngster can mark his debut with the Three Lions this month.

England start their Euro 2020 campaign against Czech Republic on Friday. Three days later, they make the away trip to face Montenegro. Both games are winnable on paper but the Three Lions need to guard against complacency hampering their performance. The games against Czech Republic and Montenegro should aide the preparation for the Nations League knockout stage at the end of the season.