Jarrod Bowen ‘thoroughly deserves’ England call-up, Gareth Southgate insists

Leicester defender James Justin is another new face in the squad for upcoming Nations League matches

Jarrod Bowen has earned a first England call-up (Nigel French/PA) (PA Wire)

Gareth Southgate says West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen “thoroughly deserves” his first senior England call-up.

Bowen and fellow uncapped player, Leicester defender James Justin, have been included in Southgate’s squad for next month’s Nations League matches.

On Bowen’s inclusion, Southgate said: “Constantly strong performances. We were certainly thinking about involving him in March before he got injured.

“He’s a goal threat and his direct journey is an interesting reminder that you don’t have to be at an elite academy – experience is a great route to go.

“He works incredibly hard for the team, which we want all our players to do. He thoroughly deserves his call-up.”

Southgate said Justin had impressed him and the England coaching set-up since recovering from a serious knee injury last season.

“He’s a player that we’ve followed for a long time and he obviously had a very serious injury and has now, we feel, played the number of matches and been able to play more regularly,” Southgate said.

“He’s comfortable playing left or right-back and very comfortable with the ball, a super athlete, a very good person - all my feedback on him from the under-21s and people who have worked with him, so we’re really looking forward to working with him more closely.”

England are scheduled to play Hungary twice, plus Germany and Italy, between June 4-14.