The Seagulls centre-back from Patcham has been named in the England squad for the Under-17s World Cup in Qatar next month.
He has been playing international football alongside club mate Harry Howell, [who misses the tournament due to injury.](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/25562309.harry-howell-england-world-cup-squad/?ref=ed_direct)
Simmonds grew up in a family of Albion fans and has great memories of supporting them when his own playing commitments allowed.
He told [brightonandhovealbion.co.uk](http://brightonandhovealbion.co.uk): “I probably watched Albion the most when they got promoted to the Premier League.
“I must have been one of the first on the pitch when we beat Wigan to go up.
“Glenn Murray, Sam Baldock and Solly March are the players that stick out.
“Promotion and the day at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City are the best memories.”
Simmonds has taken a leader role within the 21s with experienced Ben Barclay among those alongside him.
He joined the club when he was six and is one of several Sussex boys starting to emerge – such as Jack Hinshelwood, Charlie Tasker and Howell.
England play Venezuela, Haiti and Egypt between November 4 and 10 in the first phase of the World Cup.
The tournament has been expanded to 48 teams and knockout round ties will be known once all team’s performances - across the groups – have been compared.
Simmonds, 17, was part of an Albion under-21s side who lost 3-0 at Truro on their long trek to Cornwall in the National League Cup.
Barclay had effort cleared off the line early in the second half, when the score was 1-0.
Fellow defender Noel Atom was sent off in the late stages.
Albion had previously won at Aldershot and Sutton and complete their group fixtures on November 25 at Woking, where a win would see them leapfrog their hosts and qualify for the next stage.
Albion: Ramming, Barclay, Simmonds, Atom, Silsby (Ibrahim 78), Albarus, Owusu (Kasvosve 62), Keogh, Robertson (Middleton 65), Nti, Belmont (West 62). Subs not used: Jensen, Hayden, Ferdinand.