Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis have been included in the senior England squad for the first time, with the duo promoted from the u-21 squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and North Macedonia this month.
Palmer has been rewarded after an excellent start to his career at Chelsea, having joined the west Londoners from Manchester City in search of first-team opportunities last summer.
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The 21-year-old – who shone as England u-21s won the European Championship last summer – has scored four goals and laid on two assists in six Premier League starts for the Blues, including a stoppage time equaliser during the 4-4 draw against his former side on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate opted against calling up Palmer in his initial announcement, but James Maddison’s withdrawal from the squad has provided a chance for the versatile forward, as England conclude their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign this month.
The Athletic have revealed that Manchester City’s Rico Lewis has also been included, having earned a regular role with the Premier League champions this season.
Pep Guardiola called the 18-year-old one of the best young players he has ever coached earlier this season and Lewis has impressed in both full-back and central midfield roles.
England are already assured of their place at Euro 2024, with this month’s fixtures providing Southgate with a chance to experiment ahead of next summer’s tournament.
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