Jay Bothroyd hopes to fulfil a childhood dream on Wednesday night by pulling on an England shirt and running out at Wembley against France.
The Cardiff striker has been rewarded for his early-season form, 15 goals in 16 games, with a place in Fabio Capello`s injury-hit squad for the friendly.
Bothroyd told Cardiff`s official website: "It was an honour to be called up to represent England by Mr Capello and I can`t wait to train with the lads before the big night at Wembley. Like all players, as a boy it was my dream to represent my country and to make my family proud. I`ve done that at Under-21 level and now hope to add to that with the senior England squad this week."
He could become the first player from the Bluebirds to represent England and the first from outside the Football League in three years should he impress in training at the Three Lions` Watford base over the next couple of days.
But the 28-year-old is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and knows the hard work starts now.
He added: "I`m not getting carried away and know that it will be up to me to knuckle down and try to impress the coaching staff and squad with my overall contribution in training."
Bothroyd, who described receiving news of his England inclusion as "the happiest day of my career", added: "So much of this call-up is down to the fantastic progress and set-up at Cardiff City in recent years."
Source: PA
