A Croxley Green pupil has been selected to walk onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium next week as England play their last home match against Peru before the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Matthew Stray, who plays as goalkeeper at Chorleywood Youth Football Club, will lead the national side out before their match on Friday, May 30.

The 10-year-old’s mother, Gillian Stray, said the whole family is thrilled that the young Arsenal fan has been chosen.

She said: "We are all really excited and we couldn’t believe it when we read the letter. We had to re-read it about four times."

The family, who live in Rickmansworth Road, Watford, will be heading to the football match with the young mascot and have been given four complimentary tickets to watch the game.

The Harvey Road Primary School pupil said: "I can’t wait to get to Wembley and meet the players. I’m really looking forward to the World Cup and hope England do really well."

Matthew found out about the competition to become England mascot for the day through his football club.

He entered the competition through the McDonald’s KickStart website and found out he was selected a few weeks later when his surprised family received a letter in the post.

Geoff Hurst, McDonald’s director of football, said, "England have an exciting squad mixing young players with experienced internationals and I think we can make a good impression in Brazil.

"The Peru game is a chance for the players to show Roy Hodgson what they can do and as it’s the last home game before they leave, the atmosphere is sure to be great. I am certain that the McDonald’s Player Escorts will have a fantastic evening."

Ms Stray said the family has been told they need to be at Wembley a couple of hours prior to kick-off.

Matthew will be given a special England kit, which he will be allowed to keep afterwards, and he will join his family to watch the rest of the match after returning from the pitch.