'I didn't believe it at first' - Harwood-Bellis on England call-up

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has spoken of the surprise he felt when he found out he had been named in the England senior squad for the first time last week.

The Southampton centre-back, 22, has been called up for the Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

Harwood-Bellis said: "Lee Carsley rang me in the morning and said, 'you'll be with us, with the seniors'. I didn't quite believe it at first. My partner was next to me and I phoned my dad, who was very proud. He loves when I play for England, even the younger age groups.

"One of the first people to message me was Aaron Ramsdale. I was happy to see his name as he's one of my mates at the club."

The two upcoming matches will signal the end of Carsley's spell as interim boss, with Thomas Tuchel set to take control of England in the new year.

The former Manchester City defender added: "It will be a big motivation for all of the lads, knowing that there's a new manager coming in and wanting to keep your spot - that's something that especially the younger lads will be pushing towards.

"It's going to be difficult because of the quality and experience in some of the lads that aren't here is massive.

"It'll be difficult but it'll be something that I'll focus on week in and week out for Southampton and if I get minutes here."