Ben Gibson: Middlesbrough defender gets England call-up
- Published
Ben Gibson has made ten appearances for England Under-21s
England v Lithuania, World Cup qualifying |
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Date: Sunday, 26 March Venue: Wembley Kick-off: 17:00 BST Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live or follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website. |
Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson has been called up to the England squad for the first time.
The 24-year-old will join up with Gareth Southgate's squad for Sunday's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley.
The centre-back has been drafted in following an injury to Chris Smalling.
The Manchester United player has returned to Old Trafford while Chelsea's Gary Cahill, who is suspended for the game, has also left the camp.
Gibson will join the squad on Friday afternoon and take part in a training session on Saturday.
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier said Gibson is already well known by many in the England squad.
"He's a very good player getting a lot of praise for how he's playing this season," said Dier.
"A lot of people have played with him in younger age groups so it'll be quite easy for him. I'm sure he'll be just fine."
England were beaten 1-0 by Germany in a friendly in Dortmund on Wednesday in Southgate's first game as permanent England manager.
They go into Sunday's game unbeaten in qualifying and are top of Group F on 10 points.