Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis have earned first senior call-ups to the England squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Attacking midfielder Palmer had missed out on Gareth Southgate’s latest selection last week despite an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester City, instead being named in Lee Carsley’s Under-21 squad.
Lewis, who can operate at right-back or defensive midfield, had also been picked by Carsley, with Southgate saying he was content to let the 18-year-old continue to develop.
But amid injuries to James Maddison, Jude Bellingham and Callum Wilson, both players have been handed a late chance to link up with the full squad.
Bellingham is due to report for duty and undergo assessment, but Real Madrid expect him to return.
England later confirmed the squad changes, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa also called up to replace Brighton’s Lewis Dunk. Dunk sustained an injury in the midweek win over Ajax and missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.
An update to the #ThreeLions squad as @EzriKonsa, Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis receive their first senior call-ups…
— England (@England) November 13, 2023
England host Malta on November 17 and face North Macedonia on November 20.
Southgate’s side have already qualified for the tournament in Germany next summer after a 3-1 win against Italy in October.
Lewis has made 10 appearances so far this season in all competitions, with manager Pep Guardiola declaring last month that the City academy graduate was one of the best players he has coached.
Palmer has scored four goals and recorded two assists in 14 appearances this term, netting a late penalty that earned Chelsea a point in Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Manchester City.
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