Alfie lands England call

Swansea City star Alfie Mawson has been called up to the England squad for the first time.

The centre-back has been in fine form for the Swans this season, playing every single minute of their Premier League campaign.

And his efforts at club level have now been recognised by England manager Gareth Southgate, who has summoned Mawson for the friendlies against Holland and Italy later this month.

Mawson has been one of the Swans’ most consistent performers this season.

He has played in all 30 league games in 2017-18 and made a further five cup appearances, chipping in with two goals.

Mawson has previously represented England at under-21 level, but his maiden senior call is a landmark achievement for a player who has climbed all the way from non-league football to the top level.

The 24-year-old joined the Swans from Barnsley in August 2016 and has proved a fine acquisition.

He will hope to feature in England’s friendlies against Holland in Amsterdam on March 23 and Italy at Wembley on March 27.

Should he play in either game, Mawson will follow in the footsteps of club-mate Tammy Abraham, who was capped by England for the first time earlier this season.