The complete journey of Portsmouth's 'local hero' Mason Mount - from those who know him best

This evening the Purbrook-born footballer is set to walk out of the tunnel at Wembley to face Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

It is the second time the Three Lions have reached an international semi-final in as many tournaments, and hopes are high that Gareth Southgate’s squad can go all the way.

Today, those who know the midfielder best have wished him well ahead of the match – and given more insight into Mount’s incredible England journey.

Growing up in Purbrook, football was in his blood, as his father Tony coached Havant Town FC.

Tony said: ‘Even now, having watched Mason play in the Champions League final and throughout this tournament, it’s still quite surreal to think that my son is an England player.

‘As a youngster, he was just so incredibly driven and wanted to be the best – always raising the bar of what he could achieve.

‘We never looked further than the next game, who we were playing next, and I never imagined Mason would make it to the very top like he has. We’re all so incredibly proud of him.’

After a short spell with Portsmouth FC, Mount was snapped up by Chelsea FC at the tender age of six.

He would travel up to London for training in the evenings, and then played for Boarhunt Rovers on Sunday mornings – which eventually merged with United Services Portsmouth FC.

Club secretary Bob Brady said: ‘I watched Mason play plenty of times while he was with us, and what has always stood out to me is not only his talent, but his commitment.

‘He always wanted to be on the pitch and that attitude is what’s taken him to the top.

‘Being a Pompey lad it’s great for the city, and shows the young players today that if they put the work in, they can make it too.