Sven Botman has been called up to the Dutch national side for the very first time ahead of EURO qualifiers against France and Gibraltar.
It’s a well deserved reward for his superb form this season, where he’s played with maturity beyond his years and been part of the best defence in the top flight, helping us concede just 18 goals in 25 league games.
After appearing for the Netherlands at every level from U15 to U21, this is a huge moment for the 23-year-old, who’s been named in Louis van Gaal’s Dutch squad alongside the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and former Mag Georginio Wijnaldum.
Botman becomes the fifth Newcastle player to receive a call-up ahead of the upcoming international break. Here’s the updated list in full:
- Alexander Isak (Sweden)
- Kieran Trippier (England)
- Nick Pope (England)
- Sven Botman (Netherlands)
- Jamal Lewis (Northern Ireland)
- Martin Dubravka (Slovakia)
- Garang Kuol (Australia)
Elsewhere, Callum Wilson was left out of Southgate’s squad, while Fabian Schar has decided to stay on Tyneside to manage a ‘reoccurring foot injury.’
