When Tyrick Mitchell came off the bench for his England debut at Wembley on Saturday, the Crystal Palace defender felt back at home.
Mitchell was born in Brent and grew up in the shadow of the national stadium, at one point living so close he could hear the roar when a goal went in from his front room.
From the age of 10, Mitchell would pass the famous arch twice a week on his way to Willesden Sports Centre, where he trained with grassroots club AFC Wembley, who played their matches within sight of the famous arch.
“It was always present in my life, the arch and the stadium,” Mitchell said. “I played around the corner and grew up in the area. Everywhere I was, I could see the arch. Any time England played, it lights up. So to be able to say I played at Wembley is something I’m proud of.”
Despite living so close, Mitchell had only ever set foot in Wembley twice before Saturday’s win over Switzerland, once as part of a showcase for local residents after the new ground opened in 2007 and then as an England supporter for Wayne Rooney’s farewell against the USA in November 2018.
“It feels like my home. It is my home,” he added. “I could hear the cheers when England scored or anything was happening. It [to play for England] is something I am proud to say I’ve done, it was a proud moment for me and my family.”
Mitchell was not expecting to win his first cap against the Swiss but replaced Luke Shaw for the final 30 minutes and was composed as England came from behind to win 2-1.
He said: “It is an amazing feeling, I am blessed to be able to do it, I just want to thank everyone that helped me get to this point.
“It is always hard coming off the bench to get your first cap but the boys helped me a lot, gave me encouragement and helped me get into the game.”
Mitchell’s mum, who still lives in the Wembley area, and two sisters were at the stadium to witness the biggest moment of his career so far and the left-back’s extended family will be back there tomorrow night, when he is hoping to start the friendly against Ivory Coast.
If Mitchell does, another potentially familiar element of the landmark occasion will be the presence of Palace team-mate Wilfried Zaha on the opposite team, and they could be in direct competition if the winger lines up on the right.
The pair often play in tandem on the left for Palace and Zaha has been a significant influence in helping Mitchell to grow into one of the Premier League’s most consistent full-backs.
“He is one of the best players in the Premier League, one of the best wingers at what he does, so facing him will be a challenge but one I’m looking forward to,” Mitchell said.
“He’s one of our best players, the main man in a lot of situations. Having him in front of me and guiding me was a massive thing in helping me develop. When he needs to encourage me he will, then when it is about fixing something he is there as well.”
