Sunderland midfielder among trio of maiden MU20s call-ups

Sunderland’s talented midfielder Daniel Neil is among three players to receive their first England men’s under-20 call-ups for November’s fixture with Portugal.

Neil has represented England at under-15 level in the past but then his development was hampered by a serious knee injury which ruled him out for 18 months.

However, the 19-year-old has impressed for Sunderland this season, with two goals and six assists in 18 appearances in all competitions for the League One side.

There are also maiden MU20s call-ups for two goalkeepers in Hull City’s Harvey Cartwright and Louie Moulden of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Andy Edwards’ side only have the one fixture this month, travelling to the Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa Stadium in Leiria for an international match against Portugal on Thursday 11 November, with kick off at 5pm.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Harvey Cartwright (Hull City), Louie Moulden (Wolverhampton Wanderers), James Trafford (Accrington Stanley, loan from Manchester City)

Defenders: Ajibola Alese (West Ham United), Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland), Kaine Kesler-Hayden (Swindon Town, loan from Aston Villa)**, Henry Lawrence (AFC Wimbledon, loan from Chelsea), Teden Mengi (Manchester United), Joshua Wilson-Esbrand (Manchester City), Reece Welch (Everton)*

Midfielders: Lewis Bate (Leeds United), Leighton Clarkson (Blackburn Rovers, loan from Liverpool), James McAtee (Manchester City), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Daniel Neil (Sunderland)

Forwards: Cameron Archer (Aston Villa),  Sam Greenwood (Leeds United), Jaden Philogene-Bidace (Aston Villa), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (Crystal Palace), Morgan Rogers (AFC Bournemouth, loan from Manchester City), Jay Stansfield (Fulham)***

* Replaces Cody Drameh (Leeds United) who joins MU21s
** Replaces Clinton Mola (VFB Stuttgart) who joins MU21s
*** Replaces Joseph Gelhardt (Leeds United)