EVERTON FC midfielder Jack Rodwell admits to having realised a “childhood dream” with his first senior call-up for England – but revealed he thought it was a prank.

Rodwell was this week named in Fabio Capello’s squad for the national team’s forthcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden.

It was reward for an improved showing from the 20-year-old this season having assumed a regular starting role in Everton’s central midfield following the deadline-day departure of Mikel Arteta.

Rodwell has appeared for England at under-16, U17 and U19 level, and has made 20 appearances for the U21 side.

But the Everton man was initially sceptical when the phone rang and the Football Association delivered the news of a debut senior call-up.

“I was just sat at home with my family when a woman from the FA called to tell me,” he said. “At first I thought it was a prank but quickly realised it wasn’t. I was over the moon and me and the family just all celebrated together.

“I had heard rumours that I might be in the squad but I was also selected for the under-21s so I was in two minds – more hopeful than anything else.

“It is a brilliant feeling. This was my childhood dream. I have wanted it all my life and it is very much a dream come true. Everyone at the club has been made up for me.”

Rodwell added: “I started with the schoolboys and have played every level upwards apart from the U20s and hopefully I can now make the step up from the U21s and this is the first senior call-up of many.

“Stuart Pearce has said to me and all of the squad that if we do well then you can make the step up to the full squad. Obviously that is the next step after the U21s and it is evident that if you do well for them then you will be picked, as quite a few of the lads have been now.”