Lucky Leeds United fan to walk England out against Costa Rica

Knottingley boy Nathan Townend, 10, was “screaming and jumping up and down” after he was invited to be a mascot at the England and Costa Rica clash tonight.

The Glasshoughton Welfare goal-scorer and his step-dad, Colin Metcalfe, 33, are Leeds United season ticket holders – and got a surprise call this week asking whether he wanted to take up the honour.

Mum Lisa, 30, of Eastfield Road, said: “He eats, lives and breathes football. “When he found out he was screaming and jumping up and down. He was saying, ‘Who am I going to walk out with? I hope it’s Jamie Vardy, I hope it’s Dele Alli’.

“I feel sorry for the players because I don’t know if he will be too star-struck to speak with them or whether he’ll speak too much!”

Usually, she said, he can “talk for England”. But she added: “Colin’s more excited than Nathan – he wishes he was 10 years old again and walking out on to the pitch, believe me.”

As an Elland Road regular with a seat near the tunnel, England Lane Academy pupil Nathan already has all the Leeds United player autographs.

He once saw United’s Kemar Roofe wearing what he thought were a “special” pair of gloves, and the attacker gifted them to the youngster at the next match after being tweeted by Colin.

Earlier this year, Nathan and his half-brother Dylan were sat behind the goal at Wembley when Jamie Vardy scored against Italy in the friendly fixture which finished 1-1.

England and Costa Rica kick off at 8pm, after which the team will go on to play Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in Group G during the World Cup from June 18.

The youngster, who was top scorer at his own club last year, had a ticket for tonight’s Elland Road contest anyway – but those seats will now go to family as Lisa, Colin and Nathan are hosted at the stadium.

Normanton factory worker Colin said: “I’m over the moon. I am quite jealous – I’ve always been into football, all my life.

“I’m buzzing for him. We go to every game. This is England – these are the people he aspires to be one day.

“It’s something that will stay with him for the rest of his life.”

Ten-year-old Nathan spoke about his delight at being picked as a mascot. He said: “I’m excited about going on to the pitch.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever got to walk out with the players.

“[My favourite England player is] Jamie Vardy. I just think he’s a really good player, I think he’s fast and an all round a good player.

“I think it will be 3-1 to England, I think they’re a really strong side.

“It will be a good game for them.”