‘Stuck to his promise’ – Taylor Harwood-Bellis opens up on first England call-up and Russell Martin gives his opinion

Harwood-Bellis confessed Carsley - his former under-21s boss - always told him he could be close to the England squad if he was playing well in the Premier League. The 22 year old captained Carsley's European Championship-winning side in 2023, leading the Young Lions to a perfect defensive record. Having found his feet in the top flight this season, earning praise despite Southampton sitting bottom of the league, the former Manchester City defender finally got the call this month. “We’ve been on a good journey together," Harwood-Bellis said of his relationship with Carsely. "I’ve played the best part of four years for the under-21s. Taylor Harwood-Bellis won the under-21s Euros as captain in 2023 (Image: PA) “I’ve played a lot in the Championship but he always said to me that I would be close if I’m playing in the top league and delivering the same performances as in the Championship. “Luckily, he’s called me up and stuck to his promise. My partner was there (when I found out). I told my dad (first). He was so proud. He was dead happy. “I slowly led him into it and then told him. I asked him what he was up to, we had a bit of small talk and then I told him I’m going away with the seniors. "He couldn’t believe it, probably as much as I couldn’t believe it." Saints boss Russell Martin admitted he was delighted for Harwood-Bellis and revealed the players celebrated his maiden call-up. Southampton's Russell Martin and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Image: PA) "In the last couple of weeks, we've seen Taylor grow a lot as a character and leader on the pitch," he said last week. "He's taken a big responsibility, which he always has done for us with the ball. "His mentality to defend, to head the ball, to be aggressive, to attack the ball at set-pieces is where he's become a real threat. He has to keep improving. "I know he's trained in and around the squad before anyway when the under-21s have been used in training with the first team. I don't think he'll have any worries about that. "Knowing Taylor, he'll just be desperate to get on the pitch and try and force his way into it. I'm really delighted for him." Harwood-Bellis is Southampton's second top goalscorer this season, behind Cameron Archer, with three goals - two of those coming in the Carabao Cup. Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been forced to withdraw from the England squad to undergo surgery on a suspected fractured finger.