Leeds United captain Jonny Howson had to apologise to his mum when he received a late call-up into the England-21s last Sunday.

Midfielder Howson made his debut for the Under-21s by leaving the bench during the 1-0 defeat in Italy on Tuesday.

But the late call-up into Stuart Pearce’s squad left his mum with too much food on her hands after she had made lunch and tea for Jonny and his girlfriend.

Morley-born Howson explained: “At first I thought I was ineligible for the Under-21s because I was 22 but there were some lads in the team who were older than me. I was going with my girlfriend to my mum’s for Sunday lunch when I heard about my call-up so I had to apologise that I couldn’t stay for tea!

“It was a bit hectic because I had to collect my boots from the training ground, pack my bag, get my passport and catch the flight to Italy so it wasn’t the greatest preparation, but I enjoyed the experience.”

Having broken into the Under-21s, Howson has set his sights on making the full England squad.

He said: “My call-up for the England Under-21s came as a big surprise and I was very proud to get it but it is every footballer’s ambition to play for his country’s senior team and I am no different. I am just grateful and honoured that I have had the chance to represent my country at any level.

“Cardiff’s striker Jay Bothroyd is playing in the Championship but he has been capped by England, which shows that if you are playing well enough you will get noticed. Obviously the higher you go the more likely you are to be noticed but Stuart Pearce told me before the game in Italy that I had done well over the last two seasons, so it is encouraging that they’ve been watching.”

Howson is eligible for the European Under-21 Championships this summer but says his immediate priority is to help Leeds gain promotion to the Premiership.