Gareth Southgate has challenged Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden to break into England's Euro 2021 squad after rewarding both youngsters with their first senior call-ups.
Manchester City midfielder Foden ended the season in superb form, while Greenwood played a crucial role in Manchester United's top four finish and run to the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and Europa League.
Now, the England U21 teammates have been selected in their first senior squads for the Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark in September.
In a slightly experimental squad that also included Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and uncapped United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, Southgate says Foden and Greenwood have the opportunity to make their mark on the senior coaches.
With the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament to take place next summer, Southgate challenged both of them to impress him and challenge for a regular spot in his side.
He told England's in-house media: "Obviously they've been involved with England in the junior teams so for them they're used to coming here, used to being part of an England team. This is a step up for them but they're both more than capable.
"They've shown playing in big matches, big clubs that they're talented boys. Both hugely exciting players. I think they'll be part of England's future. This is up to them in the end. We give them the opportunity for them to go and take it forward.
"But there's no reason they can't be involved with England for a long time to come. You're always questioning with those young players what's the right time to move them up. We felt now is a good time.
"We're a year away from the European Championship, let's see if they can start to break into that team, that squad. And it gives us great competition for places, they're realistic challengers."
Roommates Foden and Greenwood were two of the Young Lions' most impressive performers over the last two years, and carried that form into impressive 2019/20 campaigns in the Premier League.
Elsewhere in the squad, United are represented by Greenwood, Henderson, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford. City have Foden, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling selected.
