ARCHIE STEVENS says he is fulfilling a boyhood dream as he prepares to represent England at the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
The teenager was selected in Ryan Garry’s 21-man squad as the young Lions kick off their group stage campaign with a clash against New Caledonia on Saturday morning.
And the 17-year-old has detailed the moment that he learned of his call-up to the England Under-18s squad and his hopes of doing his family proud.
Speaking to the official Rangers website, Stevens beamed: “I received the news in a phone call from my mum. Being away from home my mum usually contacts me when she receives the email from the FA.
“I knew it was the day of the emails, so I was awaiting and hoping for a phone call from home. I had actually broken my phone too that day so my mum had to phone via my host guardian’s phone!
“My family were over the moon. It’s a moment that all of us have dreamt about. It was an emotional day, but now I hope to go and give them something even more treasurable out there and make it a special tournament for us.
“For me it’s always a complete privilege and honour to represent England on any occasion, but to be heading to a World Cup is something I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a little boy; something dreams are made of. A World Cup is the highest stage possible, so it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Stevens made his Gers first-team debut over 12 months ago when he took to the pitch as a 16-year-old in a 3-1 League Cup victory over Queen of the South at Ibrox.
The evening exposed the teenager to the opportunities which exist as a Rangers Academy hopeful, and the Englishman insists he’s eager to repay the faith shown in him by the club when he pulls on the England jersey in Indonesia.
He added: “I feel I’m always representing the club on and off the pitch. I’ll always make sure to live up to the expectations of how a Rangers player should present themselves no matter where they are.
“I’ve been told that I will be the first Rangers Academy player to play in a World Cup, and this makes me really proud and excited for what the future holds.
“I give a massive thank you to the club for giving me all the support and resources everyday which allow me to do my best and keep improving, which therefore means I’m able to experience moments like these.
“It’s always surreal to sing the anthem, but on that stage, with the size of the stadium and the fans being present, it will just top it off. Knowing my friends and family back home will be watching makes it very special too.”