Ben Wilmot has been named in the England Under-20s squad to face Germany later this month.

The Watford central defender, whose Hornets future under Javi Gracia looks increasingly to be as a midfielder, is one of 21 players selected by coach Paul Simpson for the game at Colchester United on Monday, November 19.

Having played at Under-19 level, Wilmot made his international debut at the higher age group in a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. However, that came as a something as surprise because the former Stevenage player had not been expected to get any game time, having initially been called up as a training player.

The 19-year-old has made a positive start to his Watford career since moving to Vicarage Road in the summer, impressing in his two starts in the Carabao Cup before making his Premier League debut as a late substitute in the 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wilmot’s call-up comes after Craig Cathcart was included in a 28-man Northern Ireland squad by Michael O’Neill.

Northern Ireland play the Republic of Ireland in a friendly in Dublin on Thursday before facing Austria in a Nations League fixture at Windsor Park on Sunday, November 18.