Liverpool's Danny Ings didn't expect England call-up

Liverpool striker Danny Ings was planning on visiting his family in southern England during the international break.

An unexpected text message changed that.

The Liverpool striker earned his first call-up from England manager Roy Hodgson last week, and he could make his debut for the Three Lions in the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

"It was just a text from one of the secretaries at the FA. They sent a group text out. I didn't expect it at all, so it was a huge moment for me," he said. "I was planning on visiting family back home but this is another massive moment in my career and another marginal gain."

The 23-year-old has scored twice in the early stages of his Liverpool career after making the move from Burnley this summer.

Ings had previously featured for England's under-21 squad, but the chance to suit up with the senior team is "every boy's dream," he said.

His career started in the lower tiers of English football - well below the top four professional leagues. But he emerged as a goal-scorer with Burnley and tasted the Premier League for the first time when the club achieved promotion in 2014.

His 11 league goals last season couldn't keep the Clarets up. It was, however, enough for him to secure a spot in Liverpool's lineup - and eventually a chance to play for his country.