Jenkinson earns U21 call

Carl Jenkinson is in the England U21 squad for their friendlies against the Czech Republic and Germany

Carl Jenkinson has been named in Gareth Southgate's England U21 squad for their friendlies against the Czech Republic and Germany.

The Young Lions are preparing for this summer's UEFA European U21 Championship in the Czech Republic so meetings with two of their fellow finalists is sure to prove a useful exercise.

England are first in action on Friday 27 March when they travel to the Czech Republic, then welcome Germany to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium the following Monday for a 7.45pm kick-off.

Jenkinson, 23, has eight U21s caps and two goals for his name, with this summer's championships providing his final chance to play at that level.