Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that Jack Colback deserved his call-up to the England squad.
The 24-year-old was named in Roy Hodgson's squad for the first time in his career for the Three Lions' friendly game against Norway and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland.
"When we spoke to him, I said to him 'you should set your sights on the England team because from what I've seen of you and the profile you're going to have here, it's going to give you a massive chance of that'," Pardew told the club's official website.
"It's come a lot sooner than I thought but he's played very well this pre-season, so the timing of it is good for him because he's ready.
"The extra profile you have as an England squad member makes you grow as an individual, for sure. But on the playing side it gives you a confidence that your peers and the manager of England selects you, and that comes with a certain assurance in your own ability."
Colback joined Newcastle this summer from rivals Sunderland on a free transfer.
Simon Sinclair
