Harry Maguire has spoken of his pride at making it into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans — four months after being relegated with Hull.
The Leicester defender made his debut on Sunday as England completed their Russia 2018 qualifying campaign with a dead-rubber win away to Lithuania.
Maguire revealed several members of his family were stood in the driving rain of Vilnius, sporting the ponchos worn by the travelling fans as he reached his milestone.
Having come through his junior club Brunsmeer Athletic and hometown side Sheffield United, the 24-year-old is now set to live another dream in Russia next summer.
“It’s been a great year for myself,” he said. “An up-and-down one with Hull getting relegated, then signing for Leicester.
“It’s a dream come true to make my debut for England.
“It’s something I always wanted to do as a young boy and I’m sure there’s thousands and thousands of kids who dream and wake up every morning thinking that’s what they want to be. I feel very proud and very privileged.
“[My family were] in the crowd, they went to Malta [after his call-up last month, although he didn't get on the pitch] — they wouldn’t miss my England debut.
“They followed when I was on the bench [for Thursday's win over Slovenia], they followed when I was in the stands. It’s a proud moment for them as well. My mum, dad and sister were there, in the rain.”
Southgate’s men will continue their learning curve when Brazil and Germany arrive at Wembley for two friendlies next month.
Maguire is hoping to be involved and believes facing some of the best strikers in the world on a weekly basis will help him to cope should he make it to Russia.
“They are two good friendlies, to be honest,” he said.
“You look at friendlies and then think they’re maybe not as competitive, but when you come across Germany and Brazil they are tough games.
“We go into it with a confident mentality and hopefully I can stay in the squad and kick on from here.
“Playing week in, week out in the Premier League is massive. You’re coming across the best players in the world in probably the best league in the world.
“Coming away on an international basis it helps you when you’re playing week in, week out. That’s why I went to Leicester and I’ve been doing that so hopefully it continues.”