COLCHESTER United under-15 left-back Harvey Sayer admits he was "shocked" to receive an England call-up.

The teenage defender will link up with the national squad at St George's Park next month for a four-day camp, which includes two games against Belgium.

Sayer, who joined the U's in January 2017, has made a strong start after impressing on trial.

The youngster, who made his Colchester under-18 debut against Coventry City last December, will now join up with England on February 12.

He said: "When my mum told me, I was in utter disbelief and shocked.

"I was so happy that I had just got a call-up from England. I couldn’t believe it would happen to me in my life – only in my dreams.

“It still hasn’t properly sunk in – it still seems only a dream – I keep looking at the email that was sent to me.

"It isn’t a dream, this is really going to happen!

“I can’t wait to put on an England shirt and play the best I can for my country.

“I hope to get many more call-ups and many more appearances for England and my dream is to become a professional footballer, and to be in the England squad.

"When I first joined Suffolk Schools I had been released from Norwich City Academy and my confidence was low. Suffolk Schools helped me gain my confidence back, which helped me give the best performance I could.

“They supported me throughout and gave me the opportunity and coached me to believe in myself and become an even better footballer for which I’m truly grateful.”

Sayer joined Colchester in January 2017 after impressing on trial, having caught the club's attention when playing for Suffolk Schools against the U's in a friendly.

He has played his part in the U's under-15s' impressive season so far, which has seen them draw with Arsenal in the Premier League Floodlit Cup and record a resounding victory over Leicester City.

U's Academy Manager Jon De Souza is hoping that Sayer's call-up is the first of many for the up and coming Academy players.

He said: "The football club are both delighted and proud that Harvey has been called up to represent England.

"His call up his testament to the hard work put in by all the staff, parents and players within our Academy.

“Although it is only a small step towards the goal of playing for our first team, it is always a fantastic achievement to be called up to represent your country.

"We wish Harvey all the best, and hope he can demonstrate his potential during his time with England.”