Reward arrives for Helik in shape of clash with England
BARNSLEY DEFENDER Michal Helik has been recognised for his outstanding recent form by being named in Poland’s senior squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers – and could face England at the end of this month.
Chorzow-born Helik, named as the club’s player of the month for February and shortlisted for the Championship accolade last month, was named in the provisional party, but has now been included in the final squad as he eyes a full debut.
Poland, who have also named Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich in the squad, will face Hungary in Budapest on Thursday, March 25 before hosting Andorra three days later in Warsaw.
They face England at Wembley on Wednesday, March 31.
Meanwhile, fit-again Leeds defender
Diego Llorente has been named in Spain’s squad for their qualifying games against Greece, Georgia and Kosovo later this month.
But there is no place for his club team-mate Rodrigo Moreno, who is still yet to return to full fitness after missing six games with a groin injury at the beginning of this year.
Sheffield United duo Aaron Ramsdale and Rhian Brewster are among the England under21s 23-strong squad for their UEFA U21 Euro finals group stage games in Slovenia next week.
The Young Lions head to Slovenia with a 23-strong squad, including Mason Greenwood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah – with the latter duo having spells on loan last season at Leeds United and Huddersfield Town.
Stoke keeper Joe Bursik, who spent time at Doncaster Rovers earlier this season on loan, is in the party.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side face games against Croatia, Portugal and Switzerland in their group, with only two of the four progressing to this summer’s knockout stage.