Huddlestone surprised by England call-up

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone admits he was surprised to be called into the England squad for Saturday’s glamour friendly against Brazil in Doha.

Huddlestone’s impressive form for his Premier League club has convinced Capello to give him a chance on the international stage, but the 22-year-old had no idea the call was coming.

He travelled with the England squad to Trinidad and Tobago for a friendly last year but has yet to make his senior debut.

“It’s very pleasing to be called up but it was a bit of a surprise,” Huddlestone said.

“I was in the last couple of preliminary squads but to be in the final 23, especially in a game against Brazil, is something really special.

“The Trinidad game was a friendly at the end of the season but it was still a full England squad, there weren’t many that dropped out.

“Just to train with them for 10 days was special and you learn a lot from the type of players in that squad.”

With Steven Gerrard and David Beckham out of the squad, Huddlestone – who has made 33 England Under-21 appearances – could win a first senior cap at some stage in Qatar.

If he does make it onto the pitch against the South Americans, it will be a career highlight that he puts down to Tottenham’s renaissance this season.

“We’ve had a few slip-ups but in the main we’ve started very well,” Huddlestone said. “We’re fourth in the league so obviously we’re doing well.

“We’ve got a good nucleus of English players and Capello seems to be rewarding the lads by picking them in the squad.

“Hopefully, if I manage to get on I’ll be able to do myself justice.”