GARETH SOUTHGATE has called up three players from England’s under-21 squad for next week’s friendly against Brazil.
Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke and Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook will join goalkeeper Angus Gunn in making the step up to the senior squad.
Southgate is determined to give as many young players as possible the chance to stake a claim for a place in his World Cup squad this summer.
And after Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jordan Pickfoird starred on their debuts against Germany last night, the England boss has wasted no time in taking action.
Manchester City keeper Gunn, 21, has been drafted in to cover for the loss of Jack Butland who broke his finger in training this week.
Cook, who captained the England under-20 side to the World Cup earlier this year, has also been called up as Southgate looks to his midfield options.
And Solanke, who scored as Aidy Boothroyd’s under-21s beat Ukraine 2-0 yesterday, has also received the call.
The way Loftus-Cheek, Pickford and Joe Gomez performed with such assurance in the goalless draw against the world champions last night has encouraged Southgate.
He admitted straight after the game that it was likely he would tap into the younger age group again, describing it as “a no-brainer”.
He said: “It would be a good experience for a couple of the under-21s to have a few days with the seniors and to be involved against Brazil would be a brilliant experience.”
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