Osman: My son did not believe I was in England squad

Nov 13, 2012 11:10:00 AM

The Everton midfielder could win his first cap against Sweden on Wednesday and wants to emulate Scott Parker by becoming a regular in the Three Lions' squad late in his career

Leon Osman has revealed he turned to television in order to convince his son that he had been called up to the England squad to face Sweden on Wednesday.

The Everton midfielder was a surprise name in Roy Hodgson's selection for the match in Solna and is now primed to make his international debut for the Three Lions at the age of 31.

Osman revealed he was mobbed by his Toffees team-mates when the news of his call-up came through but confessed that he had a tough time persuading his eldest son that it wasn't a joke.

"It was a great moment when I told my elder son," the Wigan-born playmaker told reporters. "He had been out on a school trip. When he came back, I sat him down.

"I actually put Sky Sports on for him, with a confused look on his face. I said, 'That's your name, you know.'

"When he realised, he was made up. I'm sure he'll be allowed to stay up late to watch [the game]!"

Despite his advancing years, Osman insists he can become a regular in Hodgson's squad and pointed to Scott Parker as his inspiration.

"I played with Scott when we were kids," he said.

"When he was first on the scene he was a great player and when he came back he was mature - knowing when to do his job, when to stand off and things like that. So he's been quality."