IT is every young football fan's dream to star at the World Cup.

But for 12-year-old Connor Gardner, his dream is about to become a reality.

The avid football fan has been chosen from 6,000 children to be a flag bearer at England's clash with Uruguay at this summer's World Cup tournament.

It means he will be leading out the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Joe Hart, and hopefully Saints stars Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw.

The Hounsdown School pupil, of Brittany Close, Marchwood, could not believe his luck when he got the phone call from charity Honeypot Children's Charity, which provides respite holidays and support for young carers and children.

His proud mum Rhonda Shirley, 33, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 and Connor has supported her ever since.

They will be flying out to Brazil on June 17 ahead of England's crunch clash with the South American nation on June 19.

Connor, who plays for Totton and Eling, will be flying out with Rhonda, and they will be staying in San Paulo before the once in a life-time moment in front of Roy Hodgson's men.

Rhonda said: “I got a phone call from the charity saying they had a strange question to ask me.

“I was a bit shocked when I was asked if Connor wanted to be a flag bearer for the England team.

“It hasn't sunk in yet.

“He does a lot for me and most of his friends think he is winding them up.

“It will be great to see him walk out on the pitch in front of the England players.”