SAINTS man Sam McQueen has been called up to the England Under-21s squad for the first time.

The Southampton-born full-back joins team-mate Jack Stephens in Aidy Boothroyd's squad for games against Germany and Denmark.

Stephens has been a key part of Saints' team at central defence lately in the absence of Virgil van Dijk.

McQueen has had a breakthrough season under Claude Puel at St Mary's, making 19 appearances in all competitions this term.

Under-21s captain James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond have not been included in the roster becuase they are involved with Gareth Southgate's first-team.

McQueen and Huddersfield’s Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown have been handed maiden under-21s call-ups, while Joe Gomez, Solly March and Cauley Woodrow all return to the fold.

Boothroyd said: “Izzy did well on loan in Holland, he came back and now he’s thriving in the Championship.

“Him and Sam deserve their chance, just like Tammy Abraham deserved his chance when I picked him last year.

“As for Joe, Solly and Cauley, they are three players that have been in the squad before so it will be nice to welcome them back. They all deserve to be here.”

The Young Lions face back-to-back away internationals against Germany (on Friday 24 March) and Denmark (Monday 27 March) as preparations continue for this summer’s European Championship finals.