Matthew Briggs has been named in the England under-21 squad for their European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan and a friendly against Israel.
The Fulham left back has been joined by fellow newcomers Craig Dawson, Emmanuel Frimpong, Ross Barkley, John Flanagan, Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Wisdom. Briggs has impressed since being handed an opportunity to shine under new Fulham boss Martin Jol in the club’s early Europa League qualifiers.
The under-21s take on Azerbaijan at Vicarage Road in their first Group 8 qualifier on Thursday 1 September and then face Israel in a friendly at Oakwell on Monday 5 September.
ENGLAND UNDER 21 SQUAD – GOALKEEPERS: Ben Amos (Manchester United), Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Declan Rudd (Norwich City).
DEFENDERS: Nathan Baker (Aston Villa), Joe Bennett (Middlesbrough), Matthew Briggs (Fulham), Steven Caulker (Swansea City), Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion), John Flanagan (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Martin Kelly (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool).
MIDFIELDERS: Ross Barkley (Everton), Dan Gosling (Newcastle United), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Josh McEarchan (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool).
FORWARDS: Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Marvin Sordell (Watford), Martyn Waghorn (Leicester City), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Connor Wickham (Sunderland).
