Ben’s call-up is just pa-fect
BEN GODFREY put down the phone to Gareth Southgate – and his next call was to his parents.
Such was the delight of the Everton defender at receiving his first senior England call-up.
Godfrey, 23, has been included in Southgate’s preliminary squad for Euro 2020 and the former Norwich defender could not wait to tell his mum and dad.
He said: “Gareth Southgate called me to tell me I was in the provisional squad and that he was looking forward to me joining up with the team.
“It was a surreal moment and I was straight on the phone to my mum and dad to share the news.
“It means so much to me and my family and is a reward for all of the hard work we’ve put in.
“Playing for England is something you dream about from a very young age and to be part of the squad means a lot.”
Godfrey has impressed for Everton after signing last summer, showing ability across all four positions in the defence. He added: “The manager (Southgate) spoke about my versatility, and being able to play across the backline for Everton during the season helped show that. There is a lot of competition to play for England as well, so it’s about showing your quality over a long period of time.
“When you look at the quality of defenders we’ve got, and the players who didn’t make the squad, I know it is an achievement to have made the provisional squad.”
Meanwhile, Nick Pope has had successful surgery on the knee injury which ruled him out of the Euros.
Southgate was forced to omit Pope, 29, from his provisional squad for the tournament and the Burnley keeper had an operation on the cartilage in his knee on Tuesday.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche said the surgery went well and that Pope should return for the start of pre-season training in July.
“We’re expecting the recovery to go well at this early stage,” said Dyche.
“He’s had a really, really good season once again. He continues to develop into a top, top keeper. He’s incredibly unfortunate to have this happen at this time.”