SAINTS defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has received his first call up to the England squad by interim boss Lee Carsley.
The 22-year-old will take a trip across Europe for the upcoming Nations League matches, starting with Greece on November 14th, followed by a home game against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on November 17th.
This won’t be Harwood-Bellis’s first experience in international football; he captained the England U21s to victory in the 2023 European Championship, also under the leadership of Lee Carsley.
This will be Carsley’s last England squad before handing the reins to Thomas Tuchel in the new year.
“They’re both players who have played a lot of minutes this season and have shown they can consistently play in the Premier League at a high level,” said Carsley when asked about the new additions.
“I’ve known Taylor from Man City and captaining the Under-21s, having a successful summer with promotion and playing in the Premier League week in and week out, he’s a player that really deserves it.
“He’s an outstanding captain and a brilliant example to the rest of the players in the under-21s squad.”
Carsley also encouraged the youngster to seize the opportunity and make a strong case for a permanent spot in the squad.
“It’s a really big responsibility and you have to earn your right to be in this squad, They are great phone calls to make.
“You know what has gone on, their back story, to get to this position. It has been a real privilege to make these kind of calls.
“The challenge for them is now to stay there. If you are English and playing well in the Premier League, you have a good chance of being around the squad.”
Harwood-Bellis joined Russell Martin’s side last summer for £20 million, following an impressive season-long loan during their playoff-winning campaign last year.
Despite a poor start on their return to the top flight, the defender has been ever present for his side, making nine appearances so far this season.
He isn’t the only Southampton player to receive a call-up, as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also been recalled after a strong start to the season.
Ramsdale will be hoping that an impressive start to the season will be enough to snatch a starting place from first choice keeper Jordan Pickford.
