Mum’s the word for Mitchell as he eyes England debut

Tyrick Mitchell will make his mum’s dream come true if Gareth Southgate hands him his England debut at Wembley.

The Crystal Palace academy graduate was called up by Southgate yesterday after a number of players pulled out of his original squad for the upcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast. 

Mitchell got wind of the fact the good news would be coming his way but did not share it with his family until it had been officially confirmed. 

The left-back, who grew up near the national stadium, said: “I was waiting for it to get announced. [Will she be excited?] Definitely. That’s one of my mum’s dreams, to see me play at Wembley.

“Wembley is so close to home, so to be called up for England and be around it and be in Wembley is literally a dream come true.

“I never thought it would happen so quick, so I’m literally over the moon. I got the text and couldn’t believe it. I was lost for words.”

Mitchell, 22, joins fellow Palace team-mates Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher, who is on loan from Chelsea, in Southgate’s squad. 

He has made 33 appearances for the Eagles this season having become one of the key figures in Patrick Vieira’s team. 

And Mitchell is grateful to his manager and team-mates for helping him reach greater heights. 

He added: “Everything about Palace has pushed me to understand that last year I did well, but this year I know what I’m capable of and I’m just trying to show it. 

“This season has been amazing. There are hopefully many more successes until the end of the season — it’s been amazing.”

England host Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday before Ivory Coast visit the national stadium next Tuesday.