Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin says his mum “burst into tears” when he told her of his first England squad call-up.
The Toffees front man was rewarded for a terrific start to the season by being named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Belgium, as well as next week’s friendly against Wales.
“I’m a very, very proud man to get this first England call,” he told Everton’s website. “I just phoned my mum and my dad, and my mum burst into tears.
"It’s something we’ve spoken about since I was a young boy. To get here now and get the call-up is a dream come true. I’m very happy.
“I found out with a text message [from the FA].
“Pickers [Jordan Pickford] and Keano [Michael Keane] were obviously named in the squad and they were saying, ‘Have you got the text yet?’.
“I went to my phone and saw the text message… I didn’t really know how to feel, if I’m being honest. I’ve thought about this moment so many times.”
The 23-year-old has scored eight goals in just five appearances for his club so far this season, including two hat-tricks.
"A lot of Dominic’s game I’ve liked for a long time, what he’s adding now is the goals that haven’t always been there and in the last 18 months or so he has really improved in that area," England manager Gareth Southgate said on Thursday.
“He’s been a big part of Everton’s starting the season as well as they have and I’m very pleased to be able to call him up for the first time."
