FOOTBALL: Wembley's calling for Worthing's Matthew Whitehead

Whitehead, 16, from Worthing, will be representing his country in a number of clashes this year, including a match against France at Wembley (live on Sky Sports), and the Centenary Shield tournament.

Now at Lewes (where he has already made his first-team debut in a Sussex Senior Cup tie), Whitehead had a short spell at Worthing Youth at the end of last season after being released by Brighton and Hove Albion following six years at the club.

He is one of just two left-footed players selected in the squad, and said: "When I got the letter last week saying I was in the squad, words just couldn't explain how I felt.

"I didn't know what to do with myself. I still don't.

"It has been my dream to represent my country, and I've been kicking a ball around ever since I could walk.

"So when I got released from Brighton, I was gutted that I may have blown my chance.

"But I worked hard, got in at Lewes, and got another opportunity.

"Now here I am, so it's a dream come true."

Whitehead, a student at Chichester College, has come through five stages of trials to make it into the final squad, the last two being at Lilleshall.

Whitehead was first put forward by his Sussex Schools County coach, who nominated him and three others all from the Sussex side to try out. All of whom have made it into the final 18, and made history as it is the first time Sussex have been so heavily represented in the squad. Fellow Lewes team-mate, David Wheeler, Eastbourne Borough's Simon Johnson, and Eastbourne Town's James Norwood make up the Sussex contingent.

Whitehead added: "The future is looking very bright.

"I am one of the youngest in the England squad and if I do well, will be young enough to play for them again next year.

"I know there have been a couple of scouts keeping an eye on me at Lewes, so it's all positive."

Previous players to have played for England Schoolboys include Michael Owen, Jermain Defoe, Phil Neville and Jamie Redknapp, and Whitehead will join up with the squad at the end of the month to pick up his kit, England suit, and equipment for the season, before a friendly on February 1 against the British Colleges squad.

He said: "I am so excited for the next few months. I just can't wait."

Chichester Colleges Academy Development coach Darin Killpartrick said: "To make it right through to the final squad is an outstanding achievement.

"Matthew really deserves what he gets. He trains hard, has an excellent attitude, and deserves all the success that comes his way.

"I think he can develop into a decent non-league player, even pushing on to professional level, but it's all down to how he continues to develop in the next two years."

Whitehead travels with the squad to play a game against Villarreal Youth on February 17, following a four-day training camp in Spain.

The team will then compete in the Centenary Shield against Wales, Northen Ireland, Scotland and Republic of Ireland during March and April, before a tour which is being kept secret from the squad.

Then, on June 13, is what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the squad as they take on France at Wembley.

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