MIDDLESBROUGH’S Ben Gibson has officially been included in the England Under-21s squad for the European Championships qualifiers with Lithuania and Moldova this week.

The Boro centre-back, who has recently recovered from a hamstring problem picked up during the opening day win over Birmingham in the Championship, has been training with the Under-21s any way.

But the withdrawal of Eric Dier, the Tottenham defender, from the squad has meant Southgate has asked for Gibson to join his squad officially when they head for Kaunas on Thursday after proving his fitness at St George’s Park this week.

The 21-year-old was part of the Under-21s squad for the summer’s Toulon tournament having previously represented his country at Under-16 and Under-17 level. His first Under-21s call arrived in May when they faced Wales in Swansea.

England face Lithuania on Friday before taking on their Moldovan counterparts next Tuesday.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have confirmed they will receive just under 3,000 tickets for the Capital One Cup third round tie at Liverpool on Tuesday, September 23.

Tickets will go on sale to season card holders on Friday, September 5, priced from £26 and £27 for adults (restricted views are from £22) and £10 for Under-17s. There are also prices for Over-65s and Young Adults (17-21).