Bella-Kotchap earns first Germany call-up
Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has earned his first call-up to the Germany senior squad, and could face James Ward-Prowse on his international debut.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who arrived in the Premier League from Bochum in the summer, has nine caps for Germany Under-21s.
Born in Paris, Bella-Kotchap moved to Germany at a young age and will now join up with the senior squad for the first time, hoping to stake a claim for the World Cup in November.
Hansi Flick’s side host Nations League group leaders Hungary in Munich, before rounding off their campaign at Wembley against England, who are currently bottom.
Saints skipper Ward-Prowse will hope to enhance his own World Cup prospects and add to his 11 senior caps against Italy in Rome next Friday, and against the Germans three days later.
Elsewhere, Mohammed Salisu joins centre-back partner Bella-Kotchap in earning a first call-up, having been named in the Ghana squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.
Gavin Bazunu is in the Republic of Ireland squad, while Ché Adams and Stuart Armstrong have both been included by Scotland boss Steve Clarke, and Mohamed Elyounoussi will hope to add to his 45 Norway caps, with all European countries in Nations League action.
A full day-by-day round-up will follow next week in the latest Saints international guide.
