New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison has been called up by England Under-21s for the first time for the Euro 2019 qualifiers against Scotland and Andorra. Harrison has been drafted in following the withdrawals through injury of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Sheyi Ojo.
“It’s really good news for Jack, it’s really good news for the football club and of course I’m really pleased for him because he’s improved a lot and he loves the game,” said New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira. “I just want him to enjoy it – it will be a great, positive experience to be surrounded by players who play in the Premier League and I just want him to show how good he is because if the manager called him, it means he deserves it.”
Harrison, 20, began his career as a youth player at Manchester United but moved to the United States aged 14 and made his debut for New York City in May last year. He scored his first professional goal on his first start against Real Salt Lake in June 2016 and was nominated for the MLS rookie of the year award. He told the NYC FC website that he was left “speechless” by the call-up.
In the past, Harrison has said he would consider representing England or the US. “I try not to think about it too much,” he told the Guardian last year. “Obviously, it would be great to represent my country, England, but if the interest is not there, I’d be happy to represent America, and I’d be open to that. I’ve said that before: I like to focus on the moment and do what I can while I’m here.”
The Spain striker David Villa congratulated his team-mate on the news. “Congrats golden boy,” he tweeted.
Congrats golden boy for the call up to the @England U21 National Team. @Harrison_Jack11 https://t.co/qFgsSFB38I
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) October 1, 2017
England are joint top of Group 4 with Ukraine after a 1-1 draw in Holland and a 3-0 win over Latvia in their opening games. They face Scotland in Middlesbrough on Friday before travelling to Andorra for a game on 10 October.
