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Magpies duo in England Under-20s squad
Written by Tom Easterby
Newcastle United youngsters Adam Armstrong and Freddie Woodman have been named in the England Under-20 squad for a mini-tournament in France during the upcoming international break.
New Young Lions coach Paul Simpson – who is familiar with both players, having been one of the Magpies’ assistant coaches under Steve McClaren for eight months between 2015 and 2016 – has included the duo in his 22-man squad for the trip across the channel.
England will face Portugal, France and Senegal in tournament, as they ready themselves for the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea, which takes place in the summer.
Forward Armstrong, who is currently on loan at Barnsley, has made 27 appearances for the Tykes so far this season, as well as two substitute outings for United at the start of the season. The 20-year-old has scored five times for the Oakwell outfit so far this term, following on from the 20 goals he bagged for Coventry City last season.
And goalkeeper Woodman, meanwhile, is on loan at Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, where he has played eight games since making the temporary move in January along with fellow Magpies youngsters Sean Longstaff and Callum Roberts.
Woodman – also 20 – spent time on loan at Crawley Town last season before returning to St. James’ Park.
The Young Lions will face Portugal at the Stade Chateau Bily in Saint-Brieuc on Thursday, 23rd March, before taking on France at the Stade Fred Aubert on Saturday, 25th March.
Ex-United coach Simpson’s side will round off the tournament with a game against Senegal at the Stade Municipal du Haut-Champ in Ploufragan Ville on Tuesday, 28th March.
Simpson, who left St. James’ Park in March 2016, will lead the England Under-20 team at the summer’s World Cup, having stepped up from his role as a national specialist coach to take over from Aidy Boothroyd in February.