Boro defender Gibson: It was a 'dream' to link up with England squad

27 March 2017 16:08

Middlesbrough captain Ben Gibson has spoken of his pride after earning his first senior England call-up for Sunday's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania.

The 24-year-old revealed he had been set to jet off on a short break with his girlfriend when he got the call from Gareth Southgate to join the squad after an injury to Chris Smalling.

Gibson told the BBC: It has all been a bit of whirlwind - I had just got my boarding passes printed for a short trip to Majorca with my girlfriend when I got the call on Friday lunchtime.

"The trip had to be put on hold and I couldn't get down (to Wembley) quickly enough."

Gibson, who has impressed in the Boro back-line this season despite their slump into the relegation zone, was an unused substitute in the routine Wembley win.

He added: "To be called up to represent your country, to be a part of it, is such a proud moment, not just for me for my family who go everywhere with me.

"It's something you dream of growing up and it was a privilege to be there."

Source: PA