'It's definitely a dream come true' says Emile Smith Rowe on his maiden England call up

Emile Smith Rowe has been included in the England senior squad for the first time ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino. The 21-year-old Arsenal midfielder had initially been set to join the U21s but was brought in by head coach Gareth Southgate after Marcus Rashford, James Ward-Prowse, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw didn’t report for international duty. The youngster has been in sublime form for the Gunners scoring four goals and registering two assists this Premier League season.

The playmaker, who arrived at St George’s Park on Monday before training with his new teammates, couldn’t contain his excitement while speaking to the media on Tuesday.

“It’s definitely a dream come true. I didn’t expect it,” he said. “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.”

Smith Rowe is turning out to be a pivotal player for Mikel Arteta’s side this season and has been fundamental in the club’s rise to fifth spot in the points table.

“It’s always difficult when everyone’s talking about you and stuff, but it’s good when it’s in a positive way,” Smith Rowe said.

“I try not to look at it as much as I can, I try to stay as focused as I can, but it’s good that I’m getting these positive comments about me.

“It’s unbelievable to be next to those names and a great moment, but the most important thing was getting the three points on Sunday.”

I try to keep my head down as much as possible: Smith Rowe

The attacking midfielder broke into the first team at the turn of the year following a loan spell at Huddersfield Town and since then his growth has been phenomenal. He has scored 12 goals in 58 appearances for Arsenal so far. 

Asked whether he thought he’d be in his current position 18 months ago, he said: “No chance, I probably would have laughed at you.

“Everything’s happened so quickly and I try to keep my head down as much as possible, keep working hard and try to listen to everyone around me.

“It’s surreal being here at the moment and I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and we’ll see what happens.”

England are placed on top of Group I with 20 points from 8 games and they are unbeaten on road to Qatar. However, having drawn two of their last three games, the Three Lions have only a three point lead over second placed Poland.

England will host Albania at Wembley on Friday before rounding off their World Cup qualification with a trip to San Marino on November 16.