Shrewsbury mascot leads out England

A football mad eight-year-old's dreams came true – finally – as he stepped out with his England heroes at last night's friendly against Sweden in Wembley.

Ryan Herzig, from Springfield in Shrewsbury, travelled down to London with his mum Claire Herzig, dad Matthew Florian and step-mum Jade Peate for the game, which ended in a 1-0 victory to England.

He walked out onto the famous pitch with Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell.

The youngster had won a chance to step out with Welsh players during their game against Switzerland but his dream moment was destroyed after his kit failed to arrive in time for the match.

Claire said walking out with his England heroes had made up for the ordeal and she added Ryan now had his sights set on becoming a mascot for European champions Barcelona. She said: "It was a really good day, the FA were fantastic."

Read more in the Shropshire Star