England manager Gareth Southgate claims he is confident that Callum Hudson-Odoi is ready to make his senior international debut.
The 18-year old, who has yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea, was called up to Southgate’s squad from the Under-21s after Luke Shaw withdrew through injury.
With Marcus Rashford having also recently having suffered injury, Hudson-Odoi will now compete with fellow 18-year old Jadon Sancho to play in games against Czech Republic and Montenegro this week.
Speaking ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifying game against Czech Republic on Friday, Southgate confirmed that Hudson-Odoi is ready to feature if required, and that he is in the squad on merit. As reported by West London Sport, Southgate said:
They’ve been exceptional in training. They look like they’ve been with us forever.
Throughout the age groups they’ve been very similar in their development.
Jadon has obviously had more big-match experience and has been with the senior (England) team a bit longer. But Callum has fitted in brilliantly.
I won’t hesitate to start either of them. They’re ready. They can play, no problem, for us.
We’ve lost a lot of players, but it’s an opportunity for others.
