Luke Shaw admits he’s struggling to come to terms with being handed his first senior international call-up at the age of 18.
The Saints defender has been named in the England squad for next Wednesday’s friendly against Denmark, joining teammates Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez in being selected by head coach Roy Hodgson.
“It’s a very proud day,” Shaw told Southampton’s official YouTube channel minutes after finding he had been named in the 30-man squad.
“I still can’t actually believe it’s happened. For me to be 18 and to get called into the senior England team is unbelievable.
“I was always thinking that I’d get an Under-21 call-up today, so to get a senior call-up is unbelievable and I am still shocked.
“I’ve seen the speculation on Twitter over the past month, and I try to ignore that but there was so much that I thought maybe this could be my chance and I could get a call-up. I got the call and I am so proud.”
Shaw had just returned home from training when he was contacted by Hodgson, who informed the youngster that he would be in line to feature at Wembley next week.
“I spoke to Roy himself and he said that I’d been called into the senior team on merit and told me to just keep doing what I’m doing,” explained Luke.
“When he rang me, I was shocked – I didn’t know what to say. He’s going to be at the game on Saturday so hopefully I can show him what I can do again.
“This is a massive confidence boost for me, and I’m sure I’ll be raring to go on Saturday to grab three points off Liverpool.”
In the aftermath of his call-up, Shaw paid tribute to Southampton’s coaching staff and thanked his parents, Paul and Joanna, for their support.
“The main reason I’m here is my family,” he beamed. “My mum and dad spent a lot of years travelling down to Southampton to bring me down here and push me.
“It was hard for them, so there was a lot of hard work not only for me but for them. They’d drive me down on a Monday night when I had school the next morning and they had work.
“Everyone at this club has played a massive part in my development, and I just want to keep pushing on.
“Like I said, I still can’t believe this has happened,” he continued. “I’m so excited and I can’t wait to get going.
“I’m so excited, and it makes it better that there are another three lads going in Jay, Rickie and Adz.
“I just can’t wait to get training and to see what it’s all about. Hopefully I’ll get some game-time in the friendly, keep my performances up for Southampton and then who knows what will happen?”
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