‘Dream come true’ – Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell on prospect of making England debut

Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell says it would be a “dream come true” if Gareth Southgate handed him his England debut in the upcoming games against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

Mitchell, 22, was called up to the senior England squad on Monday after fellow full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James withdrew from the squad.

The Brent-born defender made his Crystal Palace debut in July 2020 and has only missed eight minutes of Premier League football this season under Patrick Vieira.

“It would be a dream come true – I wouldn’t know how to put it into words,” Mitchell told talkSPORT about the possibility of putting on the England shirt for the first time.

“It’s something that I couldn’t have imagined like that, especially playing at Wembley. It would be an emotional moment.

“It’s surreal being around great players, great coaches and great staff. Even putting on the kit with the England badge was surreal for me.”

When asked if he always had the belief he would play for the national side, Mitchell, who never featured for any of the England youth teams, added: “Yeah, personally you always have to believe in yourself to strive for the highest point, but I didn’t think it would come this quickly – I’m just grateful.”

Mitchell was called up alongside fellow Crystal Palace team-mates Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi, who was also named in the senior squad for the first time.

“It’s a massive help to have some familiar faces to be here with me,” added Mitchell.

“It’s a proud moment for me, them, and for Palace in general. It’s good to have them here.

“I have had loads of conversations with them about England’s training because they have been with the youth teams.

“They just said that it is difficult, as these are the best players in the country, so it’s going to be hard, and it’s just about adapting to it. You’re here for a reason – you can handle it.”

Speaking on the role the Eagles had played in getting him to his maiden England call up, Mitchell said: “Everything. They are the club that gave me my debut and has allowed me to showcase my talent. Getting to this point, I have to give it all to them.

“Roy Hodgson was a massive part of my defending and [teaching me] these little tricks to be able to defend against some of these great players in the Premier League.

“It was great that I was able to play under Roy, and now it’s great that I’m playing under Patrick.

“Coming into this season, I believed in myself defensively, but it was just about being more comfortable on the ball in deeper areas and higher areas. That was one of the main things he [Vieira] has brought into my game.”