Callum Hudson-Odoi called up to England squad for first time

The Chelsea winger, who is yet to start a Premier League game, comes in after a number of injuries

Gareth Southgate has called up winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with Czech Republic and Montenegro. The Three Lions have been hit by a number of players pulling out with injuries since Southgate first announced his squad, Luke Shaw dropping out alongside Fabian Delph, John Stones and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Hudson-Odoi had initially been part of the Under-21s squad for this international break but will now have the chance to make his England debut at just 18 years of age. He has only appeared six times for Chelsea during this Premier League campaign, all off the bench, but he has excelled in the cups, scoring five times in all competitions. The news, confirmed on Monday, came shortly after James Ward-Prowse was drafted in to provide cover in midfield. Southgate had been left with Ross Barkley, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, and the uncapped Declan Rice to select from before the Southampton player's call-up. England kick off their Euro 2020 qualification schedule at home to the Czechs on Friday before travelling to Podgorica for a clash with Montenegro on Monday, March 25. Bulgaria and Kosovo are their other opponents in Group A.