The Charlton left-back was dragged out of bed early on Friday morning to be told by a friend that he was part of a 31-man squad to face Spain at Villa Park next Wednesday.

"This has come as a total surprise. I'm very proud, delighted and still a bit stunned," admitted Powell.

"It's a huge honour and I hope it reflects on everyone at the club as we have had a great season and this has made it even better."

Powell added: "Until this morning I was in the dark like everyone else. The first thing I knew of it was when my mate, who works in the City and starts really early, rang me and woke me up.

"He said it's in the papers, and I thought he was joking. I said it can't be right."

The 31-year-old, who played more than 250 times for Southend in the lower leagues, believes his selection is partly due to a run of good results at The Valley.

He said: "I know they (Eriksson and Tord Grip) have been watching our games and it's a nice touch for Charlton that a club like ours was considered.

"It's the ultimate honour for any professional to play for your country."

Powell added: "Everyone's been choosing their own England squad recently and I wasn't even in my own squad.

"I know we've been watched but you obviously play your best every game anyway, and to be honest it was something I had never thought about."

But the England manager has been impressed with what he has seen of Powell this season.

"He's a natural left-sided defender so why not look at him? I spoke to both Peter and Steve about him," said the Swede.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley added: "Eriksson must have been looking at our games with a view to other players but there are 22 on view and there's a chance for everybody.

"I think it's great that a promoted side has been looked at and are getting recognition."