
Chelsea
winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been called up to the England senior squad for
the first time.
The 18-year-old was originally with the U21s, but has now joined the rest of
Gareth Southgate's side as they prepare for the European Qualifiers against
the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
"I thought the manager (Aidy Boothroyd) 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."
Hudson-Odoi has had limited chances to impress at Stamford Bridge this
season and has yet to start a Premier League match, but has scored five
times in 19 matches in all competitions.
"It's been a crazy day but getting my first [senior] international call-up
is an amazing feeling," Hudson-Odoi said.
"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 [Aidy Boothroyd] 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.
"Now I've got to work hard, enjoy every moment and keep working to just
hopefully make an impact when I get the opportunity.
"Everybody here is very humble and they're very nice. They make sure you're
comfortable, no one has an ego here so hopefully I get to know more of the
boys here."
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has withdrawn from the squad through
injury, following previous withdrawals of Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek and
Manchester City duo John Stones and Fabian Delph.
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was also called-up to the senior
squad on Monday to give Southgate a 23-man squad to choose from for the
upcoming European Qualifiers.