Former international player and boss Paul Simpson has sent his congratulations to the two fellow Cumbrians called up by England’s Under-21s.

Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford have been named in the Under-21 squad for games against France and Croatia.

The news has delighted Carlisle United boss Simpson, himself a former Under-21 international as well as a World Cup-winning England Under-20s boss.

The Blues manager says he hopes both former United academy players will get the chance to impress in the two games later this month.

“It’s brilliant news – and credit to those lads for the way they’ve gone about it,” said Simpson, who won five Under-21 caps in his playing days.

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“They’ve both had to leave their parent clubs to go out on loan and they're both absolutely flying.

“I'm a big believer that playing for your country is the best accolade you can have, so well done to them.

“I hope they're able to get the caps. And it's something that will stay with them forever.”

For defender Branthwaite, from Wigton, it is a first Under-21 call-up.

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It is a reward for his impressive performances for PSV Eindhoven, where he is on a season-long loan from Everton.

Goalkeeper Trafford, from Greysouthen, already has Under-21 caps to his name.

His latest selection follows further progress with Bolton Wanderers, where he is on loan from Manchester City.

The France game is on March 25 at Leicester City's King Power Stadium, with the Croatia encounter on March 28 at Fulham's Craven Cottage.

Branthwaite and Trafford have already been international team-mates at Under-20 level.