Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell has been named in England U21s’ preparation camp ahead of the EUROs in Georgia next month.
Cresswell missed the final month and a half of the season on loan at Millwall after undergoing surgery on a fractured eye socket, keeping him out of action for seven matches.
His inclusion will allay fears of any long-term damage, though, with the camp getting underway on June 7 before the tournament kicks off two weeks later.
The 20-year-old has established himself as a regular for the Young Lions in recent months having started five of their last eight matches.
Cresswell will be competing for a start berth at centre back alongside highly rated Levi Colwill, Taylor Harwood-Bellis – who just won the Championship title at Burnley – and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Cresswell named in England U21s squad
England will certainly fancy their chances of going all the way this summer, with the tournament set to span just under three weeks, ending on July 8.
Particularly if Leeds are relegated, Cresswell could have a big part to play at Elland Road next season and this will hand him the opportunity to get some much needed match fitness into the legs given he has been out of action since April 1.
After a rocky start to life in the capital, Cresswell established himself as a key player on loan at Millwall, scoring five goals in 28 Championship appearances.
The imposing defender was a big miss for Gary Rowett’s side in the final weeks of the season, as they missed out on a play-off place by just one point after four defeats in their last six matches.
Cresswell will be hoping for some positive performances out in Georgia before return to Leeds determined to show he can have a big part to play at the club.