Man City star Rico Lewis earns first England senior call-up for November internationals

Manchester City star Rico Lewis has earned his first senior call-up to the England squad and will be joined by former teammate Cole Palmer.

Lewis is a late addition to Gareth Southgate's side, following injuries to the likes of James Maddison, Jude Bellingham and Callum Wilson. The 18-year-old was initially due to be part of Lee Carsley's under-21s side but the call-up comes after his continued excellent form with City.

England have two important Euro 2024 qualifiers to look forward to, hosting Malta on Friday evening before a trip to North Macedonia next Monday. Lewis joins fellow Blues Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

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Southgate has faced plenty of calls to introduce both Lewis and Palmer into the senior squad, following excellent starts to the season for both. Palmer joined Chelsea over the summer and haunted his former side with an added-time penalty in Sunday's 4-4 draw.

Speaking just last week, Southgate addressed his initial decision to keep Lewis and Palmer in the under-21s.

"I think he is developing really well, he is very comfortable with the ball, but he plays in a very specific role for Manchester City," Southgate told the BBC of Lewis specifically. "[They are] sort of playing him as a high eight and he fits into their system brilliantly.

"I think internationally, at the moment, his development at this moment in time is best served with the under-21s. But without doubt we are watching him, plus the likes of Cole Palmer and [Newcastle defender] Tino Livramento in particular."