Liverpool striker Danny Ings admits he was shocked to earn his first call-up to the England side – and it forced him to cancel a planned family get-together.
The 23-year-old, a regular for Gareth Southgate's Under-21 side, has earned a promotion to Roy Hodgson's seniors after scoring twice in his last three matches.
Ings has impressed since arriving at Anfield from Burnley but even he did not expect to receive an England call-up so soon.
"To be honest I was shocked, I didn't expect it at all. I already had flights booked to see family back home in Southampton in the international break so they got cancelled swiftly.
"I got a text in the morning just before I met up with the lads (Liverpool's Europa League tie with Sion).
"It means the world to me. It was my dream as a kid to get the call and now I've got the call it is unbelievable.
"It is a huge boost for me as a player and for my career so I'll take great confidence from that moving forward.
"It means so much to me and my family and hopefully it is something I can build on.
"It is great that people are recognising your hard work and what you try to do for the team and the fans but it is something I honestly didn't expect.
"For me it is about developing every day and I feel I am improving every day here.
"It is a great club and a great foundation and hopefully we can have success together."
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