Gareth Southgate has named his first England U21 squad since a disappointing European Championships in the summer, and Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom has been called up.

Akpom is on loan at Hull City and scored in their first two fixtures of the season. Though he hasn’t managed to score in their last three games he has done enough to earn a call-up, along with Arsenal centre-half Calum Chambers.

Having already represented England at U16, U17, U19 and U20 level this news shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially with Harry Kane, Danny Ings and Saido Berahino either too old to continue playing for the U21s or expected to be required by Roy Hodgson.

In 36 England appearances from U16-U20 level, Akpom has managed to find the back of the net on 15 occasions. A goal for the U21s will only see his rising star reach an all-time high point.

Chambers has been widely criticised for his performance against Liverpool in Monday night’s 0-0 draw, but is a huge talent and still just 20 years of age. A more composed second half was encouraging, and we all know there is more to come from the young defender.

We wish Chuba and Calum the best of luck for England’s fixtures against USA U23s and Norway U21s next month, and will be watching to see how they get on.