Fraser Forster has relived the drama involved in being selected for England’s World Cup squad.
The Celtic keeper made his full international debut against Chile last November and was one of four keepers named for the previous England squad that played against Denmark.
On the eve of Roy Hodgson announcing his final squad it seemed between Forster and Norwich keeper John Ruddy for the third goalkeeping slot.
Social media was alive with speculation and guesswork before the Celtic keeper got the text message he had been hoping for.
“To get the call to play at a World Cup in Brazil is something you dream about as a kid,” the former Newcastle keeper said.
“The boys got a text just before the squad was announced. You sit there all morning waiting for that text to come through.
“You don’t leave the phone anywhere and it’s a special moment – as is telling your friends and family. You will remember it for forever.
“It will be hard not to know what people are saying back home. There will be times during the tournament when it’s good to distance yourself and keep your head switched on but it will be hard to avoid the news.
“We have a tough group– all the matches will be hard. It’s not going to be straightforward but a World Cup in Brazil is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Forster is now in Portugal preparing for the trip to Brazil. England will complete their preparations in Florida before their group matches against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.