SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has received a maiden call-up to the England Under-21 squad for this month’s matches against France and Croatia.
Patterson is one of two North-East-based players selected in Lee Carsley’s squad, with Middlesbrough striker Cameron Archer also having been named in the group.
Patterson will hope to make international debut, with his call-up a reward for his impressive performances in the Championship this season.
The North Shields-born 22-year-old is one of four goalkeepers selected in the Under-21s squad, and will battle it out with West Brom’s Josh Griffiths, Lincoln City loanee Carl Rushworth, whose parent club is Brighton, and Bolton’s James Trafford, who is on loan from Manchester City, for a place in the side.
Archer made his Under-21s debut last June, and has scored four goals in his four appearances at Under-21 level.
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The Middlesbrough youngster, who is on loan from Aston Villa, is one of six forwards selected by Carsley, and will be joined by ex-Boro loanee Folarin Balogun as well as Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Emile Smith-Rowe.
England Under-21s host France at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, March 25 before taking on Croatia at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, March 28.
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