West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths wins England under-21s call-up
West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has been named in the England under-21s squad for their two friendly fixtures later this month, as confirmed by their official website.
The 21-year-old is part of manager Lee Carsley’s 26-player squad for the matches against France and Croatia in March’s international window.
England play France at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on 25 March, before hosting Croatia at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on 28 March.
The fixtures later this month represent the squad’s first meeting since victories over Germany and Italy in September. West Brom goalkeeper Griffiths has previously lined out for England under-18s.
He is joined in the squad by fellow goalkeepers Anthony Patterson (Sunderland), Carl Rushworth (Lincoln City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), and James Trafford (Bolton Wanderers, on loan from Manchester City).
Great experience
Even if Griffiths is not handed minutes in the two fixtures, it will be a hugely valuable experience for the young goalkeeper.
He has already gained plenty of experience for the Albion this season, playing in the club’s last seven Championship matches, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
England under-21s boss Carsley may well turn to Griffiths for the two friendly encounters as the nation prepares for this summer’s U21 EURO Finals in Romania and Georgia.
The young goalkeeper watched on from the bench in the aforementioned wins against Germany and Italy last year, with Trafford and Josef Bursik handed starting roles in those respective matches.
But Griffiths has gained first-hand Championship experience since then, and may the man trusted between the sticks later this month.
He certainly has more experience than his counterpart Patterson, with the Sunderland goalkeeper earning a first international call-up at any level in the latest squad announcement.
The hugely talented group also includes Premier League representation through the likes of Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and Brighton’s Levi Colwill.
In other West Brom news, finance expert Martin Calladine has reacted to reports stating Chinese owner Guochuan Lai has secured a new £20million loan.