Lewis Dunk has received his first England senior call-up

Lewis Dunk has been called up to the England squad to replace the injured James Tarkowski for the games against Croatia and Spain in the UEFA Nations League.

It will be a first call-up to the senior squad for the defender, who signed a new five-year deal at Brighton on Friday.

Sky Sports News reported the new addition to Gareth Southgate's squad and the Football Association confirmed the replacement on Sunday evening.

Burnley's Tarkowski had been suffering a groin injury but was fit enough to play in their 1-1 draw with Huddersfield in the Premier League on Saturday.

Dunk, 26, has been "vital" to Brighton's success, says boss Chris Hughton, having made over 200 appearances for the club since graduating from the academy, and helping them secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Dunk will report to St. George's Park alongside the rest of the squad on Monday ahead of preparations for the successive away fixtures.

Southgate has five options in the heart of the England defence for the forthcoming international break with Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, John Stones, and Kyle Walker already at his disposal.

4:16 FA technical director Dan Ashworth reflects on his success with England working alongside Gareth Southgate FA technical director Dan Ashworth reflects on his success with England working alongside Gareth Southgate

Under Southgate, England have often played three central defenders and following the international retirement of Chelsea's Gary Cahill, the manager will be looking for reinforcements at the back.

Dunk's addition makes him the fourth player in the squad to have received his first senior call-up - Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and James Maddison are the others.

He could be in line to make his England debut against Croatia or Spain in the UEFA Nations League during the international break. Both games will be shown live on Sky Sports.