England mascot moment is perfect present for birthday boy Declan
For a football mad youngster, there really is no better birthday present. Just one day before his eighth birthday excited Declan Kennelly was lining up in the Wembley tunnel waiting to walk out with England ahead of their huge match with Germany on Tuesday.
But little did he or his proud family up in the stands know, that he would be leading the team out with captain Steven Gerrard.
Dad Mike, 46, said: "I hate to say it but I did actually cry.
"He couldn't have chosen a bigger game, and we didn't know who he would be paired with until we saw him walk out of the tunnel with Steven Gerrard.
"None of us could really believe it, so we were amazed and very much in shock. They had to line up in the tunnel smallest to tallest, so for once being short paid off for him.
"It was a fantastic birthday present."
Declan, from Harebell Close in Tamebridge, Walsall, was picked after both Mr Kennelly and his brother Gerry applied for him to be a team escort.
And to prepare for his big occasion the Villa fan, who goes to Yew Tree Primary School and plays for Centre Spot Colts in Rowley Regis, spent around two weeks learning all the words to the national anthem.
He said: "I had to sing the national anthem, but the TV showed the Germany team but not the England team singing. Steven was friendly. He just asked me if I was OK and I said yes."
