SportFootballFIFA World CupThe dad of England's youngest ever player picked for the 2006 World Cup at just 17 urges families to enjoy every second10:07, 22 May 2026Thomas Tuchel has named his World Cup squad and the dad of England’s youngest ever international has sent a message to families of the players chosen to carry the country's hopes.‌The Three Lions boss caused joy and heart-ache as he selected his 26 players aiming for glory in the United States next month. Harry Maguire’s mum has already taken to social media to say she was “absolutely disgusted” her son had been dropped. But in an exclusive interview with the Mirror Theo Walcott’s dad Don said: “The players and their families must savour and treasure every single moment. Take everything in and enjoy it.‌‌READ MORE: England World Cup squad in FULL as Thomas Tuchel makes controversial callsREAD MORE: POLL: Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire & Phil Foden AXED from England's World Cup squad - have your say“It goes in a flash. When Theo was picked by Sven Goran Eriksson in 2006 we were so excited. We had such a great time in Baden Baden but as a family we took it all in and we have very special memories. “It was a special time and we made friends for life during those weeks. But it does go so very quickly - I can’t believe it’s now 20 years on. To share that experience with family and friends was really special.”Don, 67, a grandad of seven, added: “I can remember being invited to the team barbecue and David and Victoria Beckham were sitting behind me. ”I was holding my baby grandson Sebastian - who is now 21 - and saw Beckham chasing after his kids.‌“There was no social media really then. No Instagram … perhaps that’s what made it so special. Former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton star Theo was the surprise pick for the 2006 tournament as a 17-year-old. He still remains the youngest man ever to play for the Three Lions. He was just 17 and 75 days when he played against Hungary in May 2006.‌A week later he was on the flight to Germany for a memorable 2006 World Cup where England crashed out in the quarter finals.Don added: “It was quite hard sometimes to support your child travelling up and down the country and around the world but it was fantastic and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world."Article continues belowDon has always been a passionate football and loves watching England. He won't be out in the United States, Canada and Mexico but is hopeful of glory.He said: “I will be supporting England watching on the TV and I think we can win it. We’ve got some great players."England are based in Kansas City and travelling to Dallas, Boston and New York for their three group games. The final will be played in New York on July 19th where Tuchel will be hoping to lift England's first trophy since 1966.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Theo WalcottSven Goran ErikssonThomas TuchelVictoria BeckhamEngland football teamFIFA World Cup