Dunk wins maiden England call as Tarkowski drops out

Brighton and Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk has been called up to the England squad for the first time.

The centre-back has been added to Gareth Southgate’s squad for trips to Croatia and Spain in the Nations League.

Dunk, who signed a new contract with the Seagulls this week, takes the place of James Tarkowski in the 25-man group.

Burnley defender Tarkowski withdrew due to injury, with Brighton boss Chris Hughton happy Southgate opted for Dunk.

As weekends go…

year contract
Clean sheet
three @premierleague points
 man of the match
@england#BHAFC  pic.twitter.com/JtfUCTol6g

— Brighton & Hove Albion  (@OfficialBHAFC) October 7, 2018

“We are absolutely thrilled for Lewis, he fully deserves this call up,” Hughton said to Brighton’s website. “He has shown his quality in the Premier League and his progression has been a steady and consistent one. 

“He’s improved with every season, and on the back of an impressive first season in the Premier League he continues to progress; I’m delighted he has now been given recognition at international level.”

Dunk is the first Albion player to be called up for England since Ron Greenwood’s squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain included Steve Foster.