MARCUS TAVERNIER had a day to remember today as he was drafted into training with the senior England squad.

The Middlesbrough midfielder has spent the week at St George’s Park as part of the England Under-20s team that is preparing for matches against Switzerland and Holland.

However, with Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana having dropped out of England’s senior squad through injury, Gareth Southgate found himself short of midfielders as he completed his side’s preparations for Saturday’s Nations League home game with Spain.

As a result, he moved Tavernier from the Under-20s set-up to the senior training pitch, and used the 19-year-old in a series of drills involving his first-choice midfield.

Southgate has previously spoken of his desire to introduce prospective future internationals to the senior set-up, and his decision to turn to Tavernier suggests he regards the winger as one of the most promising prospects in England’s junior ranks.

Tavernier, who started Boro’s Carabao Cup matches against Notts County and Rochdale, was part of the England Under-19s squad at this summer’s European Championships in Finland, and scored in a group-stage draw with Ukraine.

He is one of three Boro youngsters on junior England duty this week, with Nathan Wood and Stephen Walker also having been selected in their respective age categories.

Wood, who became Boro’s youngest ever player earlier this season, has been selected in the England Under-17s squad for the Syrenka Cup. England take on Norway on Friday, with further games scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday depending on their progression in the competition.

Walker, who has also played in the first team in the Carabao Cup, is part of the England Under-19s squad for matches against Holland and Belgium.

Meanwhile, Boro have confirmed the squad numbers that will be worn by their recent arrivals. Danny Batth, who signed on a season-long loan from Wolves, will wear the number six shirt, Sam McQueen, who left Southampton, will wear 14, and George Saville, who left Millwall on a temporary deal that is set to become permanent next summer, will wear 22.