Ryan Bertrand and Fraser Forster named in England squad
By Chris Hughes
Gareth Southgate has named the Southampton duo in his squad for the upcoming games against Scotland and France.
Fraser Forster and Ryan Bertrand will have the chance to face off against their northern rivals in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland on the 10th of June, before facing the scarily-good French in a friendly at Wembley Stadium three days later.
The left-back will have the opportunity to earn his 13th and 14th senior England caps, having made his debut a whole five years ago.
Forster meanwhile will be going for only his seventh and eighth caps despite being two years Bertrand’s senior, with the presence of Joe Hart in goal keeping other candidates out of the picture.
Both will want to impress as they start what will be a year of auditions ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer, with both Southampton players deserved of a spot in the squad.
Meanwhile a further five Southampton players have made the initial cut for the Young Lions squad this summer, with the under-21 European Championships being held in Poland.
Both Saints players that made debuts for the senior side last time out will feature for the young side this summer, with James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond both hoping to improve on solid seasons for the Saints.
The former could take his under-21 appearance tally into the 30’s at the tournament, with the side’s captain having already played 27 times for the Young Lions.
In addition young defensive trio Matt Targett, Jack Stephens and Sam McQueen have all been named for the preparation camp ahead of next month’s kick off, which will see Aidy Boothroyd’s side face Sweden on the 16th of June.
His side also have to face hosts Poland but not before a tricky encounter against Slovakia on the 19th of the month.