NEIl Dewsnip has named a healthy North-East contingent in the England Uunder-18s squad that will travel to Moscow for an international double-header against Russia next month.

The Young Lions, who defeated Switzerland 1-0 and 6-1 in their last outings in March, will face their hosts at Arena Khimkir on Monday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 10.

Middlesbrough youngster Harry Chapman and Sheffield United midfielder Louis Reed are both included in the 18-man list by head coach Dewsnip after impressing on their first call ups two months ago.

There is also a newcomer to the squad, Leicester City defender Elliot Moore, who helped his club reach the FA Youth Cup semi-final this season.

A number of familiar faces are also selected, with Boro’s Dael Fry returning for the first time since October. Fulham’s Patrick Roberts and Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman also come back into the fold after featuring for the Under-19s in their European Championship Elite Round qualifiers.

Although the England senior side picked up a 1-0 'away' win in Tblisi, Georgia, against Russia in 1986, the Three Lions have not enjoyed victory on Russian soil since a Martin Chivers strike and an own goal secured Sir Alf Ramsey’s team a 2-1 win in June 1973 – and that stat is one that excites head coach Dewsnip.

“We don’t want easy games – playing for England is not easy otherwise everybody would be doing it,” Dewsnip told TheFA.com.

“It does need to be testing and I think Russia away will be particularly challenging. We will be going into an interesting and different culture.

“The England senior side has not won in Russia for over 40 years, so as a nation we do not have the best record there, but we will be trying to change that. That’s such an exciting challenge in itself.”

 

England Under-18s squad:

Goalkeepers: Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United), Sam Howes (West Ham United)

Defenders: Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Elliot Moore (Leicester City), Callum Connolly (Everton), Max Lowe (Derby County), Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Liam Walsh (Everton), Luke Amos (Tottenham Hotspur), Louis Reed (Sheffield United), Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur), Sheyi Ojo (Liverpool)

Forwards: Harrison Chapman (Middlesbrough), Patrick Roberts (Fulham), Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Adam Armstrong (Newcastle United), Karlan Ahearne-Grant (Charlton Athletic)