Baines still in shock over his call-up

Leighton Baines admits he is living in a dreamland after earning a surprise call-up to the England squad.

Less that three months ago, the left-back was not even in the Everton team after an injury lay off.

But the 24-year-old has now been included in England coach Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly against Slovakia on Saturday and the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on 1 April.

"This is the proudest moment of my career," said Baines.

"I never really expected to get the call but it is a terrific opportunity and I will give it my best shot. To get recognition at this level is something everyone aspires to, I am delighted and honoured to have been called up.

"Everything has happened so quickly. I was only thinking the other day that at Christmas I felt I would be lucky to get a run of two or three games in our team."

Baines joins his club team-mates Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka in the England set-up, as all three defenders have impressed in recent weeks.

It is the first time since the 1980s that the Goodison Park side have had three players in the England squad.