Ben Youngs was so surprised to be called up for England, he thought team manager Martin Johnson was talking about Leicester Tigers when he said he was in the match-day 22.

The 20-year-old scrum-half has been selected in the national squad for the first time for England's Six Nations' trip to Scotland on Saturday.

"He (Johnson) came and pulled me aside and said 'You are on the bench this weekend'," said Youngs.

"My response was that Leicester haven't actually got a game this weekend and we have the week off.

"He said 'No, Ben, you are on the bench'. It was a good five seconds before I realised what he actually meant and I was just delighted and over the moon.

"It just goes to shows that I really wasn't expecting it and how much it has taken me by surprise."

The England call-up marks a rapid rise for a player who established himself in the Leicester squad only this season.

His inclusion represents a full house of honours for his country, having played for the Under-16s, Under-18s, Under-20s, Sevens team and Saxons.

Youngs said: "I have been enjoying my rugby at Leicester and we have played in some fairly big games this year. Things have accelerated from that far more quickly than I imagined.

"Luckily for me, I get on very well with a lot of the Leicester boys and there is also Johnno to speak to as well. They are full of experience.

"If I do start to worry and ask questions of what it is like to play in a Test match, they are very approachable blokes and they would be quick to offer advice.

"Because of that, I feel very relaxed and know that, if I do start to get into a bit of a muddle, I can always ask the question and they will be happy to give up their time and give advice.

"Playing games improves everyone. You don't learn the ins and outs of rugby without playing and Richard Cockerill has given me the chance to play at Leicester this season. The more I play, the more I learn and that keeps you going.

"I got called up to the Saxons and got asked to train with the senior lot and here I am, sitting on the bench at the weekend. It is just amazing."

Youngs, who follows dad Nick into the England ranks after he gained six caps in the early 80s, said he has already got over the awe of playing alongside the country's best players.

"When you first come in you dream of representing England and, for the first couple of days at least, you are just happy to be there," he said.

"But you get to the point where you think you are not just happy to be here, you want to show what you can do."

He added: "It was interesting at the time, meeting everyone for the first time and, especially at my age, saying 'hi' to guys who have won the World Cup and have achieved so much in the game.

"But they are all really top guys and they have made me settle in really easily."