Chelsea’s Hudson-Odoi earns first England call-up

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been called up to the England squad for the first time for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

The 18-year-old was due to be part of the England Under-21 squad.

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Hudson-Odoi played 19 games for Chelsea this season, scoring five times, but is yet to start a Premier League match.

Luke Shaw has joined John Stones, Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in withdrawing from the squad.

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Earlier on Monday, Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was called up as a replacement.

Hudson-Odoi’s Under-21 call-up was his first at that level but the winger has previously represented England from Under-16 to Under-19 level, winning the Under-17 World Cup in 2017.

“It’s been a crazy experience but I’m delighted to get the call and it’s a nice feeling to be here as well,” Hudson-Odoi said.

“I thought the manager [Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd] was joking.

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“I was shocked and then when I heard that I actually had to go over [to England’s training base at St George’s Park], I couldn’t believe it. I was delighted.

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