Highly-rated Sunderland teenager earns England Under-17s call-up

Sunderland winger Tom Watson has been called up to England’s Under-17s squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers in the Netherlands.

The 16-year-old has stepped up to play for the Black Cats’ Under-21s side this season, but wasn’t named in the squad for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Leeds in Premier League 2, Division 2.

It comes after reports Watson could receive more game time for Sunderland’s senior team before the end of this season.

The teenager was named on the bench for Tony Mowbray’s side against Shrewsbury and Fulham in the FA Cup, but is yet to make his first-team debut.

England’s Under-17s team will play three matches during this month’s international break against Denmark, Northern Ireland and The Netherlands.

Watson's Sunderland team-mate Chris Rigg captained England’s Under-16s side as they won a UEFA Development Tournament trophy in Cyprus last month, but hasn’t been named in the Under-17s squad for the upcoming fixtures.

*Reading are set to learn their fate from the EFL over a possible points deduction this week.

Reading are waiting for news over a potential points deduction from the EFL after reports emerged two weeks ago claiming the club had allegedly breached the business plan which was implemented with the EFL after previously breaching profit and sustainability rules.

Any points deduction for Reading could have serious ramifications for the club in terms of the Championship table with Paul Ince’s side nine points clear of the relegation zone, but have lost four on the spin before drawing against Hull City during their last game.

The EFL have confirmed they are investigating the club's most recent financial affairs. However, the governing body has yet to comment on the potential points docking for Reading with news expected soon.

Burnley and Huddersfield Town are also waiting to hear from the EFL regarding their own financial and accounts submitting issues.

Sunderland have taken six points of Reading this season, defeating The Royals 3-0 away from home and 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.