MIDDLESBROUGH duo Ben Gibson and Patrick Bamford have been included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for this summer’s European Under-21 Championships.

Southgate has announced a 27-man squad, which will be trimmed to 23 ahead of the tournament in the Czech Republic, with Harry Kane, Callum Chambers and John Stones all selected despite having appeared for the senior England team this season.

Gibson, who has been an Under-21 regular under Southgate in the last 12 months, should make the final cut, while Bamford, who is due to return to Chelsea after Middlesbrough’s Championship play-off final with Norwich on Monday, is named in the provisional squad despite missing the recent win over Germany at the Riverside because of injury.

It remains to be seen whether the striker makes the final 23, with the attacking positions representing the most competitive area of the squad as Saido Berahino and Danny Ings join Kane in a strong line-up.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has previously expressed reservations about Kane returning to the Under-21s after scoring on his senior debut against Lithuania in March, but despite the Londoner being part of a Spurs squad that will play post-season friendlies in Malaysia and Australia in May, Southgate has won his battle to take him to the Czech Republic.

“Harry has had a fantastic season and has been a big part of our team,” said the Under-21 boss. “It’s important for all the group he’s here and it’s a great stage for Harry to show his ability on the international stage in a top tournament.

“It’s good for his development and it’s good for the group. Most clubs would prefer their players not to go away all summer and play, but we want to take the best players and give them that experience.”

The most notable omission from yesterday’s squad is Luke Shaw, with the Manchester United defender not deemed to be fit enough to line up in England’s group matches against Italy, Portugal and Sweden.

“I spoke with Louis (van Gaal) and Luke’s situation was monitored,” said Southgate. “Luke was always very keen to come and Louis was supportive of that, but medically he is not going to be fit.”

The likes of Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere, Phil Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling have not been selected despite being eligible.

England Under-21 squad:

Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli (Fulham), Jonathan Bond (Watford), Jack Butland (Stoke)

Defenders: Callum Chambers (Arsenal), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Luke Garbutt (Everton), BEN GIBSON (MIDDLESBROUGH), Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal, on loan at West Ham), Michael Keane (Burnley), Liam Moore (Leicester), John Stones (Everton), Matt Targett (Southampton)

Midfielders: Tom Carroll (Tottenham, on loan at Swansea), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Will Hughes (Derby), Jake Forster-Caskey (Brighton), Jesse Lingard (Man Utd), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Alex Pritchard (Tottenham), Nathan Redmond (Norwich), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Benik Afobe (Wolves), PATRICK BAMFORD (CHELSEA, ON LOAN AT MIDDLESBROUGH), Saido Berahino (West Brom), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Danny Ings (Burnley), Cauley Woodrow (Fulham)