Davies shock at England call
01 Feb 2008 - 08:41:35
Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies has revealed his shock after being included in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man England squad for next week's friendly against Switzerland.
The former under-21 international is one of five Villa players in the Italian's first squad and has admitted the call came completely out of the blue.
Ashley Young, Gareth Barry, Gabby Agbonlahor and Scott Carson have also been named in the initial squad which will be whittled down to 23 players on Saturday evening.
"I'm completely shocked but absolutely delighted. I wasn't thinking about it from my perspective at all," said the on-loan West Brom defender.
"I thought about those who might get into their first squad but I didn't think I'd be one of them. I'm really happy.
"When I got the news I thought it was a wind up. I had to check several times before I realised the message was genuine.
"I really didn't have a clue I'd be called up. It makes the waiting at the start of the season all worthwhile.
"Obviously Zat (Knight) was doing well but I got my chance and probably got in the team at the right time because we've played against some big teams and the England manager obviously wanted to watch the big teams as well as us.
"It's nice to know I did enough to impress in that time and it's a reminder to make sure I keep doing the job at Villa.
"I just hope now I've done enough to get into the final squad when its announced at the weekend.
"But this is a great first step and just to know I'm in the new manager's mind is a brilliant feeling."