Shock England call-up Michael Mancienne has admitted it was a dream come true to be named in Fabio Capello's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Germany.
Chelsea defender Mancienne, 20, has yet to play a single game for the Premier League club, but Capello was so impressed by his performances on loan for Championship leaders Wolverhampton and with the England Under-21 team that he decided to take a closer look at the centre-back this week.
Mancienne had expected to play for the Under-21s but now he could make his England debut in one of international football's most fiercely contested fixtures in Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
“It is the dream of every boy to play for their country and it is fantastic to be in the squad,” Mancienne told the Sunday Telegraph.
“I was focused on being in the under-21 squad so this was great news. It will be a fantastic game to be involved in and just being around the squad will be superb.
“Having some of the other Chelsea lads in the squad as well will be a real boost for me.”
Mancienne praised Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce for playing a key role in his rapid rise through the international ranks.
“I've found working with Stuart Pearce very good, he's understanding and easy to talk to – he always gives an honest opinion,” Mancienne said.
“If he sees something not right, he'll talk to me and correct me. We've been wanting to do well for the manager.”
Mancienne has only got as far as being an unused substitute for Chelsea so far and he believes he has developed as a player much quicker due to loan spells with QPR last year and Wolverhampton this season.
“It is good to be involved at such a massive club (Chelsea),” he added. “I haven't really been there for two years because of loans but it was good to be back.
“I grew as a footballer when I was on loan and developed an understanding of the game. I've been in relegation battles and my experiences have improved me.”
