Steve Froggatt nearly blew his great England chance by walking out of Gordon Strachan’s office when his manager told him about his call-up.

Froggatt (26) thought he was the victim of a practical joke – not Kevin Keegan’s biggest ever selection surprise.

Strachan summoned him after training to break the good news that he was in the squad for the two games with England, but had to convince the former Wolves and Aston Villa player he was not pulling his leg.

He said:

"The gaffer called me into his office and asked me what could be the best thing that could happen to me.

"I didn’t know what he was on about at all even when he asked what is the best thing that could happen to an English footballer.

"When he told me I thought he had been asked to wind me up by the lads. I am absolutely astounded and shocked but also very proud.

"I was in the England under-21 side when I was 19 but that was it. A couple of years ago I didn’t even know if I would play in the Premiership again as Wolves were struggling for promotion.

"I had an injury a couple of week ago but am fully fit now and have just been glad to have been playing.

"I am never certain to be in the Coventry side and, like most other players, certainly don’t think of myself as an automatic selection – there is no such thing.

"I am very grateful to Kevin Keegan – there is no greater honour than to play for your country and these are very big games for England. I am very excited and looking forward to joining up with everyone.

"I am not sure how I will feel nearer the time – I haven’t even managed to tell my wife yet and I need some time for it to sink in.

"Things have been going well for Coventry recently and I am happy at the club. There were some stories that said I was unsettled but they were not true.

"It has been an incredible day."