'How well he's done' - Aribo unsurprised by Harwood-Bellis' England call-up

SAINTS midfielder Joe Aribo believes teammate Taylor Harwood-Bellis' first England call-up proves how well the young defender has done in red and white.

Harwood-Bellis has been included in the Three Lions squad to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League this month.

The England under-21 captain could make his senior debut when Lee Carsley's side face Greece in Athens this evening.

Aaron Ramsdale was one of the first players to reach out to Harwood-Bellis following his maiden call-up.

The Saints goalkeeper was also included in Carsley's squad but has since been forced to withdraw due to a finger injury.

Saints players celebrated Harwood-Bellis and Ramsdale's England inclusion - as well as Tyler Dibling's under-21 inclusion - at Staplewood on Friday morning.

Aribo is unsurprised to see Harwood-Bellis called up to the England squad having seen the progress made by the 22 year old over the last season.

He told the Daily Echo: "I've seen Taylor grow. I know how good he is. He's an excellent player.

"It's a great achievement for him to be a part of the set-up. To get his first call-up, it just shows how well he has done and what he is capable of."