Gareth Southgate believes that Saido Berahino's inclusion in the latest England Under-21s squad will prove "invaluable" for the player's future development.
The West Bromwich Albion striker, who has four Premier League goals to his name this season, was widely expected to be named in the Three Lions senior squad this afternoon.
His strong start to the new campaign was not enough to see him called up as part of Roy Hodgson's squad, however, and Berahinho will instead take part in the Under-21s Euro 2015 qualifying playoff against Croatia next week.
"When someone like Saido's in the form he's in, he's going to get talked about for a senior squad call-up," Southgate told Sky Sports News. "But these matches are really invaluable for his development and the team.
"I'm sure he will be keen to play with us and progress and he will be able to push his way into Roy's thinking."
The Young Lions will face Croatia at Molineux on October 10, with the second leg taking place four days later.
Daniel Lewis
Spain U21s
