Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell admits he thought his call-up to the England squad was a prank.

Such has been his form there were rumours abound last week that the Under-21s regular was set to be elevated to the elite - but that still didn't stop Rodwell from thinking it was all a wind-up when that fabled call from the Football Association arrived.

"I was just sat at home with my family when a woman from the FA called to tell me," he explained to evertontv. "At first I thought it was a prank but quickly realised it wasn't. I was over the moon and me and my 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.

"But 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."