Crystal Palace’s Ebere Eze part of England squad for UEFA Euro Finals – with Nketiah, Hudson-Odoi and Smith Rowe swelling South London contingent

Ebere Eze has been named in the England U21 squad for the group stage of the UEFA Euro Finals next week in Slovenia.

The young Three Lions face Croatia, Portugal and Switzerland, with the top two going on this summer’s knockout stage.

Greenwich-born Eze has scored three goals and got as many assists since an August move to Crystal Palace from QPR, clocking up 27 Premier League appearances.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, born in Lewisham, adds to the South London contingent in Aidy Boothroyd’s squad. He holds the England goalscoring record at U21 level with 16 goals in 14 matches.

Chelsea’s Wandsworth-born winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe, who hails from Croydon, are also in the 23-strong party.

Boothroyd said: “I’m excited by this group. Not just in their ability but also their toughness and team spirit. I know they will do everything they can to make the country proud.”

All England’s games will be shown on Sky Sports, starting with the meeting with Switzerland in Koper on March 25. Next up is Portugal in Ljubljana three days later before a return to Koper to face Croatia on March 31.

All matches will take place behind closed doors.

PHOTO: PAUL EDWARDS