‘Speechless’ Smith Rowe opens up on ‘surreal’ England call-up
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has opened up on his “surreal” England call-up, saying it is “probably the biggest achievement” of his career.
The 21-year-old playmaker was not included in Gareth Southgate’s initial 25-man squad, but he replaced Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford after he returned to his club to focus on his fitness.
He has been in terrific form for the Gunners this term and has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances.
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“It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” Smith Rowe told EnglandFootball.com. “It’s crazy just being around the place and with all the players. I am so happy to be here and I am just going to enjoy it as much as I can.”
He added: “This is probably the biggest achievement I have had in my career so far.
“It is just different. Coming to St. George’s, being on a different training pitch…it is crazy. I am a bit speechless to be honest. I don’t know what to say about it all yet because it still hasn’t really sunk in yet that I am actually here.”
👏 Sunday: Score the winner at Emirates Stadium
🏴 Monday: Get your first England senior call-up
We're so proud of you, @emilesmithrowe 😍
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 8, 2021
Smith Rowe was part of the England youth squad that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017.
On the phonecall from Southgate, the former RB Leipzig loanee admitted he was “starstruck at the time”.
He explained: “Gareth called me and said ‘congratulations, you have been called up to the first team.’ I didn’t know what to do. I was starstruck at the time. I was stuttering, I didn’t know what to say. I just said ‘Oh wow, thank you so much.’
“I ran downstairs to my mum and told her and she couldn’t believe it. She thought I was joking. It was very emotional but she was very proud of me.
“After that I called my dad straight away to tell him the news and he was buzzing for me as well.
“I am really close with my dad too and I like to be a family person. I am always with them.”
The Arsenal man, who had initially been called up by the England under-21 side, continued: “I think it was extra special that I was at home. It wouldn’t have been the same if I had been away with the under-21s already. It was even better because I was at home.”
