Brighton defender Dunk receives first England call-up

Matt Stead

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has been called up to the England squad for the first time.

The 26-year-old signed a new contract with the Seagulls last week and has now replaced James Tarkowski for the Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.

Burnley defender Tarkowski has pulled out through injury and Dunk will now report to St George’s Park with the 25-man squad on Monday.

“Lewis Dunk has received his first England senior call-up,” read a Football Association statement.

“The Brighton & Hove Albion defender replaces Burnley’s James Tarkowski who has been forced to withdraw from Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad through injury.

“The 26-year-old will report to St. George’s Park alongside the rest of the squad on Monday ahead of preparations for successive away fixtures against Croatia and Spain in the UEFA Nations League.”

Dunk has made seven appearances for Brighton this season and made his Seagulls debut in Sky Bet League One in 2010 after coming through the youth system.

Apart from a brief loan spell at Bristol City in 2013 he has been at Brighton all his career, playing 239 times and scoring 14 goals.

The Three Lions take on Croatia, who beat them in the World Cup semi-finals during the summer, in Rijeka on Friday before facing Spain in Seville three days later.