Liverpool youngsters Joe Gomez and Jordon Ibe handed first England U21 call-ups

Gareth Southgate’s side, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing European Championship campaign over the summer, face USA Under-23s on 3 September at Preston’s Deepdale before taking on Norway Under-21s away the following Monday.

Liverpool youngsters Jordon Ibe and Joe Gomez have been handed their first England Under-21s calls-up ahead of September’s friendly against USA.

John Arne Riise says he is “very impressed” by the exciting start young defender Joe Gomez has made to his Liverpool career.

Gomez signed for Brendan Rodgers’ side from Charlton this summer and was initially expected to be sent out on loan.

He now looks set to hold down a regular spot in the back-line and as such his displays have earned him a first call-up to the under-21s, having been a key member of the under-19s, 17s and 16s – helping the Three Lions to the UEFA European U17 Championship past year.

Gomez, 18, and Ibe, 19, have both started Liverpool’s first two league games of the season, with the defender also featuring – and starring – in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates on Monday.

Ibe, meanwhile, is also in Southgate’s squad following an impressive pre-season with the club.

Ibe did have the choice between Nigeria and England, with the winger eligible for the latter through his father – but Bermondsey-born Ibe is understood to have committed to England.

There are eight players who have been capped previously at U21 level, with Arsenal’s Calum Chambers, Tottenham’s Eric Dier and Southampton’s Matt Targett on hand to help the new faces at the back.