Arsenal midfielder and defender- currently on loan at Championship side Hull City, Isaac Hayden, has earned his first ever call up to the England under-21’s side.
The 20-year-old can operate in a number of different roles from midfield to defence and has been called up by Gareth Southgate as part of his midfield, with injuries to the likes of Duncan Watmore, Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Redmond paving the way for his arrival in the squad.
Hayden has played for all youth England sides throughout his short career from the under-16s up and is tipped for a bright future at the Emirates Stadium.
Currently on loan at Hull, the defensive minded player has found it hard to achieve game time in recent weeks but his performances prior to selection have clearly earned him his place in the squad.
Speaking on Hayden, Southgate admitted, as reported by the Football Association’s official website, that he is excited to ‘see what the Hull loanee can do’.
He has played at quite a number of levels for us. I have seen him play quite a few times with Hull and he has done a reliable job with them. He can play in a variety of different positions.
He is a good character which is important to us. This in an important opportunity for us with Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Redmond missing through injury, it is an opportunity for the lads to come in and show us what they can do.
Other Arsenal stars called up to the under-21’s squad include Calum Chambers and Chuba Akpom, the latter being on loan to the Championship side alongside Hayden/
