Harwood-Bellis receives first England call-up and Ramsdale returns

Interim England head coach Lee Carsley has also re-called Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has been absent from the last two squads.

England conclude the Nations League group with a trip to Greece on Thursday, November 14, and a home clash with Republic of Ireland on Sunday. 

Harwood-Bellis, 22, captained Carsley's European Championship-winning under-21s in 2023 as the Young Lions did not concede a single goal.

Carsley explained: "They (Harwood-Bellis and Lewis Hall) are players that have played a lot of minutes this season and played consistently well.

England interim boss Lee Carlsey explains his final squad selection (Image: PA)

"I know them both well. I have known Taylor from Man City and he captained my under-21s. He had a successful summer getting a promotion.

"Now he is playing in the Premier League week-in, week-out and he really deserves it. He is a great captain and an outstanding example to the under-21s."

Carsley added: "It's a really big responsibility and you have to earn your right to be in this squad, They are great phone calls to make.

"You know what has gone on, their back story, to get to this position. It has been a real privilege to make these kind of calls.

"The challenge for them is now to stay there. If you are English and playing well in the Premier League, you have a good chance of being around the squad.

"It's staying there in the squad and getting used to competing with world-class players every day when you're here that's the biggest challenge."

Chuffed for Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale. Pair playing well and deserve a chance. Taylor's always been great and Aaron was happy to give us as much time as needed in our first chat. I have tickets for both matches next week so hoping to see them involved!#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) November 7, 2024

Saints signed Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City on loan last season and completed a £20million permanent transfer this summer.

Harwood-Bellis has started nine of the 10 Premier League fixtures Saints have played this season, playing a key role in their 1-0 win against Everton last time out.

Ramsdale could add to his five caps, having less featured for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in a 1-0 home defeat to Iceland ahead of EURO 2024.

England have appointed Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel as their next permanent boss with the German starting in January 2025.

Carsley oversees the next two matches with Saints targeting promotion back to League A of the Nations League. They are currently three points behind Greece.