Everton's teenage midfielder Ross Barkley says he intends to become a permanent fixture in the England squad after being called up for the first time by manager Roy Hodgson.
The 19-year-old central midfielder has started all three of Everton's Premier League games this season and was rewarded with a place in Hodgson's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.
Revisiting the moment when he learnt of his selection from Everton manager Roberto Martinez, Barkley told the club website: "When the gaffer told me, I was over the moon.
"It was the best feeling ever. To get called up to your country's senior side, there is nothing better that can happen.
"I think it will be a good experience being around top-class players like Phil Jagielka and Frank Lampard and learning from them all."
He went on: "I'm humble about it and hopefully I do get a cap, and then plenty more in the future.
"It's been a positive start to the season and I'm hoping to push on and do better as the season goes on."
England face Moldova at Wembley on Friday before travelling to Kiev for their final away fixture in Group H against Ukraine on Tuesday.
Source: AFP
