JUDE BELLINGHAM has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time aged 17 after injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Ward-Prowse.
The Borussia Dortmund youngster was initially named in the Under-21s but has been selected by Gareth Southgate after Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold and Southampton skipper Ward-Prowse withdrew.
Jude Bellingham in England training after his first senior call-upCredit: Rex Features
Bellingham was promoted from the Under-21s after injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Ward-ProwseCredit: Rex Features
Gareth Southgate has called upon Jude Bellingham for the first timeCredit: Rex Features
Right-back Alexander-Arnold is out for up to four weeks after picking up a calf injury in the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
And Saints’ free-kick wizard Ward-Prowse dropped out as a precautionary message after pulling up with a tight hamstring.
Marcus Rashford will not join up with the Three Lions until Thursday as Manchester United are given more time to assess the shoulder injury he sustained in the 3-1 win over Everton on Saturday.
He will have scans with England to find out the extent of the blow.
The majority of the squad had arrived at St George’s Park on Monday ahead of the friendly against Ireland and Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Iceland.
But the game against Iceland could be moved to ALBANIA forcing Southgate’s men into a 2,000-mile round-trip and sparking another club vs country row.
The Icelandic side may not be able to make it to Wembley due to the Government’s Covid-19 ban on non-UK citizens arriving from Denmark.
Iceland play Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday – the same day England travel to Belgium.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is out for England with a calf injury Credit: Rex Features
Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has a tight hamstringCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, skipper Harry Kane and Spurs team-mate Eric Dier, City duo Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker as well as Liverpool pair Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez are all due to report for international duty today.
Bellingham snubbed Manchester United and chose to move to Dortmund for £25million in July.
The versatile midfielder signed a long-term deal worth £60,000 a week after leaving Birmingham City having impressed in the Championship.
He followed in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho by quitting playing in England for Germany as a youngster.
And the talented teenager has been mentored by his compatriot at BVB and the pair will now become team-mates on the international stage as well as at club level.
Bellingham revealed he opted for Dortmund over a move to Old Trafford due to the club’s famed youth development.
And he has impressed immediately in the Bundelsiga, bagging one assist in six appearances in the German top flight this season.
Jude Bellingham received his first senior England call-up after joining Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Borussia Dortmund players in tears laughing at Jude Bellingham’s awful singing for initiation to new club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
