BORO goalkeeper Jason Steele has been included in the England U19 squad for a UEFA qualifying tournament later this month.

The highly-rated Newton Aycliffe-born stopper only turned 17 in the summer, when he was rewarded for his outstanding form at youth and Reserve level with a two-year professional contract.

In May he was a key member of the England U17 team which reached the final of the European Championships in Belgium.

England were beaten 1-0 in the final by Spain but still qualified for the World U17 Championships which were held in South Korea in August and September.

Sadly, illness meant he was unable to play the first game in the tournament and subsequently had to be content with a place on the substitutes bench for the remaining games.

England play Iceland at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, on Friday October 12, Romania at Glanford Park, Scunthorpe, on Sunday October 14, and Belgium at Oakwell, Barnsley, on Wednesday October 17.