Smith Rowe Opens Up On Dream England Call Up
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has described his maiden call up to the England national team as a dream come true.
The 21-year-old was initially scheduled to join up with the England u-21 side but a flurry of fitness problems for the likes of Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse saw Gareth Southgate hand Smith Rowe a first call up to the Three Lions squad for upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Albania and San Marino.
Smith Rowe has been one of Arsenal's best players this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in eleven Premier League appearances.
"It's definitely a dream come true. I didn't expect it," he said after training for the first time with the senior side.
"Obviously I was planning to go with the U21s and I got a phone call the day before from Gareth, saying I'd been called up to the first team. It was a great moment for me and my family.
"My mum was actually downstairs at the time, I was upstairs. I ran downstairs straight away and told her. It was very emotional, but they were so proud of me and I couldn't wait to meet up with the squad.
"I was really nervous during my first training session, to be honest. It's always hard coming in with new players.
"Obviously I play against these guys every week, but for England it's always different. After a while I got used to it but I was definitely nervous. I'm sure throughout the week I'll get into it and get more comfortable.
"Wearing the same training kit and passing the ball to each other, it's crazy to be alongside these great players. I'm a bit speechless but I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can."
