BASILDON United’s Oli Spooner and Connor Wheatley’s stunning start to the season has seen them earn call-ups to the England C team.

The duo will travel with the Three Lions to the Falkland Islands for an ambassadorial visit.

And Spooner, who has been named in the 16-man squad which will make the trip next month, says the recognition comes just a matter of years after he would have given up football were it not for current Bees boss Marc Harrison.

Spooner, 17, said: “I was in one of my lessons at college when Marc rang me up.

“Playing for England is something you dream about and it still hasn’t sunk in yet.

“I was at Tilbury under-16s with Marc and I wasn’t enjoying it, so I was going to stop playing football.

“But Marc turned it around and I got my love for the game back.

“(Assistant manager) Liam (Wallace) has helped me a lot as well and he is a main reason for me being in this position now.”

Wheatley will also make the long journey to the Falkland Islands after being named in the contingency squad.

And the 22-year-old goalkeeper is hoping he will get a chance to shine for the Three Lions.

“Marc rang me up and said the club had received an email from the FA saying about the visit to the Falkland Islands,” said Wheatley.

“I was proud for me and Marc because I never really expected it, but it shows that hard work pays off.

“Playing for England is something everyone dreams about growing up and I am no different.

“I’m in the contingency squad, but I will still be travelling out there with the team and hopefully I will get an opportunity to play.

“We will be training everyday and I’m sure it will be a good experience.

“Now I just need to make sure I can get the time off work because I do night shifts for the London Underground!”

Spooner and Wheatley will make the long-haul flight to the Falkland Islands on November 7, before returning to south Essex on November 13.

As a result, the duo will miss the Isthmian North table-toppers’ trip to AFC Sudbury.

Spooner added: “I’m loving my football at the moment and everyone expected us to struggle this season.

“But we’re doing well and need to keep pushing.”