The 31-year-old has been named in the starting line-up for the friendly clash at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, becoming the third oldest player since 1954 to make his debut for the Three Lions. The call-up is seen as a reward for a decade of hard work and loyal service to the Toffees, as well as recognition for the contribution he has made to Everton's fine start to the current campaign. Howard, who has won 82 caps for USA, has expressed his delight at his team-mate's call-up, something he says the whole Everton squad will echo.
"This could be a blanket statement for the whole team but I don't think I've been more excited for a human being than I was for Ossie," Howard told the club's official website.
"You're talking about one of the greatest guys to be around, a guy who's hard working and so deserving of that call-up.
Fingers crossed he gets an England cap because there have been a heck of a lot less deserving guys down the years to get caps.
"He's just so fantastic and he's been a rock for this Club. I was delighted for him; so, so happy."
Source: team_talk
