Leeds defender Byram caps off fine season with England call-up

Leeds United’s player of the year has received further acknowledgement of an outstanding season at Elland Road by earning a place in the 35-man pool chosen by Under-20 coach Peter Taylor.

Taylor will submit details of his initial squad to FIFA tomorrow, with an announcement on England’s final travelling party likely to be made on June 12.

Byram was seen as an outside contender for inclusion in England’s plans for the European Under-21 Championship in Israel next month – a competition which Leeds defender Tom Lees was selected for on Tuesday afternoon – but Taylor looks set to take the talented right-back to Turkey instead.

The 19-year-old’s first taste of international football would increase the stock of a player whose reputation has grown dramatically since he stepped up from United’s academy last summer.

Taylor spoke with United boss Brian McDermott prior to selecting Byram and said: “Everyone thinks he’s going to go to the Premier League. I did speak to Brian and he’s desperate to keep him. He’s really happy with him.”

The York-born defender signed his first professional contract less than a year ago but received an unexpected opportunity in pre-season with Neil Warnock – then United’s manager – lacking a right-back and waiting to sign Lee Peltier from Leicester City.

Byram went on to maintain an ever-present record until he suffered a hip injury before the penultimate game of the season. The injury will not prevent him from linking up with England’s Under-20s, who begin their World Cup campaign on June 23.

The teenager spoke last month about his desire for international recognition, saying: “That’s definitely in my mind. I’d like to get into the Under-20s or the Under-21s. There are summer competitions coming up and I’d like to be involved.”

Byram will miss the start of Leeds’s pre-season training programme if Taylor includes him in his final squad.

England’s last group game against Egypt is scheduled for June 29.