SAINTS under-21 defender Zach Awe has received a late call-up to the England under-20 squad for the September international break.

The 19 year old will replace Peterborough United centre-back Ronnie Edwards, who has withdrawn from the squad.

Awe, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, last earned an England cap at under-16 level back in 2019.

He becomes the eighth Southampton player to be called up across England's youth team squads this month.

READ MORE: Seven Southampton players called up to England youth squads

Interim head coach Joe Edwards is taking charge of England's training camp as they begin preparations for the new Euro U20 Elite League in October.

Awe joined Saints this summer following his departure from Arsenal and subsequently linked up with the under-21 side.

The commanding six-foot-five defender has made three Premier League 2 appearances so far this season and has trained with Russell Martin's first team.

He was also involved in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Brentford XI and received praise from the former Scotland international.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last month, Awe detailed why he felt like a move to Southampton would be the best decision to further his development.

He said: "I felt I was becoming stagnant in my development and I needed to take a risk.

“It was difficult. When I left Arsenal I was without a club for around a month and that wasn’t easy.

READ MORE: Zach Awe opens up on joining Southampton after Arsenal departure

"There were times where I thought ‘When am I going to get my club?’. It was very tough, especially because I had never been in that situation before.

“I am happy Southampton came and I am happy that I’m here. As you can see my family were here and they are very proud of me and it’s nice to have that support.

“When I saw the development of players in the past and everything else it was definitely the right choice. I’m glad that I’m here. I have no regrets."