Captain Jonny Howson has been called up to the England Under-21 squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Italy.

After a number of withdrawals, U21 coach, Stuart Pearce, has had to call on replacements and Howson is one of them. He has been in good form this season and it’s a well-deserved call up. Howson is 22 years old but his year of birth – 1988 – qualifies him for this season’s squad.

There is strong competition for places in the U21 squad despite former White Fabian Delph having pulled out. Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba, Chelsea’s Josh McEachran and Arsenal’s Henri Lansbury who has been on loan to Norwich are but a few of the central players Howson will be fighting for a position with.

Jonny obviously has our best wishes for the game. We hope it is a success and he returns to Leeds injury free.

The game is being streamed live on the FA website on Tuesday 8th February – kick off 2pm.