Simeon Akinola said he has been speaking to his team-mates for advice ahead of a debut call-up for the England C team next month.

The impressive form of the 22-year-old Braintree Town midfielder (pictured below) in the Vanarama Conference Premier last season has been recognised by a place in the England squad that is made up of under-23 players operating outside the Football League.

It was a great first season at that level for Akinola after he joined Braintree from Harrow Borough last summer and he made 39 appearances and scored four goals, including a stunning strike in the 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers that was shortlisted for goal-of-the-season honours.

That helped bring him on to England boss Paul Fairclough’s radar and he has been getting advice from Braintree team-mates who have also pulled on the national jersey ahead of the game against the Republic of Ireland Under-21s in Galway on June 1.

Akinola told the Times: “To be honest, I’m very excited.

“I was told about it and I’m really looking forward to getting involved with the squad.

“I don’t know the full details yet, but the FA contacted the club and they told me about it.

“It’s absolutely incredible to be involved with England.

“I was speaking to Kenny (Davis) a bit about it and he told me what a fantastic experience it is as he has been there with them for a few games.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”