Chris Ormesher, of Snaefell Road, will be a flag-bearer at an England match and will get the chance to meet the 23-man squad.

Chris, 14, is a regular patient at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, and was hand-picked by the 20-year-old England striker, who is patron of the hospital.

'I'm excited,' said Chris, who after having had a kidney transplant, gets by with the help of drugs and a strict diet.
He was born with dysplastic kidneys, meaning they did not form properly in the womb.

After a course of drugs and dialysis he had a kidney transplant aged just three.

However, he is in need of another transplant shortly, said his mum, June Murray.

She said the trip is a 'chance of a lifetime'.

She added: 'I'm pleased that he is going, but I'm ticked I can't go myself!'

Chris – a year nine student at St Ninian's High School, Douglas – will be one of a dozen children who will fly the England flag on the pitch ahead of the match against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15.

He heads out to Germany next Monday.

Ironically, Chris supports Man United star Rooney's arch-rival Premiership team Liverpool.

Chris summed up his thoughts on Rooney – who is fighting for fitness after breaking a bone in his foot – as 'good footballer, wrong team'.

They have one thing in common, however – they were both born in Liverpool.

Chris's trip to Germany is sponsored by the soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola.

He is one of 292 teenagers from 27 countries participating in the Coca-Cola Football Camp, in Hessen, which includes appearing at the World Cup match.

Cheering on Chris from in front of the TV will be his family including dad Stephen and sisters Lauren, 11, and Rebecca, three.

June said: 'Everyone is really pleased for him.'

However, Chris' relatives on his mum's side are from Scotland.

June said: 'While they think it is brilliant that he's going, they think it is a hoot that they have to watch an England match!'