• England

Berahino 'honoured' by England call-up

ESPN staff
November 6, 2014
Saido Berahino helped guide England to next summer's European Under-21s Championship © PA Photos
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Saido Berahino has given an emotional response to his first call-up to the senior England side and promised to play with pride for his adopted country.

Berahinho, born in Berundi, has lived in England since the age of 10 and represented his country through the Under-16 to U-21 age groups, with Roy Hodgson now including him for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia on November 15 and the friendly against Scotland three days later.

Hodgson was quick to congratulate the striker who has scored eight goals for West Brom so far this season, with Berahino telling the club's official website that the call-up has been his ambition for some time.

"My long-term vision was to get into the seniors with England and do the club proud," said Berahino. "My mum hasn't stopped talking about it all week.

"I've tried not to think about it, but it's been hard when all of my family members have been reminding me that the squad was being announced today.

"This country gave me a second chance in life. I came to this country and it has provided me and my family with a safe place and a better place to live in.

"It's given me a chance to perform what I want to achieve in life. I feel very lucky that my family and West Bromwich Albion have looked after me and guided me.

"I'll be very proud and honoured to represent England. I remember coming home and seeing I'd got my first-ever call up for England as a schoolboy. I was excited then and I'm excited now.

"It will be a very emotional experience for me. If selected, I will play with all my heart."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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