I am shocked to have received England call – Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi – who is yet to start a Premier League game – says he is “shocked” to have received his first England call-up.

The 18-year-old was brought into the England squad on Monday for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

He has played 19 games for Chelsea this season, scoring five times, but is yet to start a Premier League match.

“It’s been a crazy experience but I’m delighted,” Hudson-Odoi said.

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He was with England’s Under-21 squad, having received his first call-up at that level last week, when he was told he was being promoted to the senior squad by U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd.

“I thought the manager was joking,” he added.

“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.”

Hudson-Odoi was called up after full-back Luke Shaw joined John Stones, Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in withdrawing from the squad.

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Earlier on Monday, Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was added to the squad as a replacement.

England host the Czechs at Wembley on Friday, 22 March and are away in Montenegro on Monday, 25 March.

• BBC