ALEX McCarthy has been included in the latest England squad after impressing Gareth Southgate with his form for Saints.

It's the goalkeeper's third ever call-up to the national side and will make his debut if he appears in either of the coming two games - the Nations League opener against Spain on September 8 and friendly at home to Switzerland on September 11.

The Three Lions boss watched McCarthy in action against Everton just under two weeks’ ago and there was talk of the Saints goalkeeper getting a call-up.

Mark Hughes backed his shot stopper to get a place in the squad and now McCarthy will join up with Soutgate's men.

"We are delighted with that," Hughes said about McCarthy's call-up.

"I think he deserves it in where he was when he first came to the club and wasn’t first choice but worked his way in by virtue of performances.

"He was instrumental at the back end of last year and made match defining saves to protect results and gain points.

"That’s the sign of a top keeper when you need him to step up and protect the result and Alex did that on numerous occasions.

"He started in the same vein this year and his form is good, I’m pleased with confidence he is showing with his standing in the club as number one.

"The next thing is international recognition which he’s got and everyone’s really pleased for him."

It's the first time McCarthy has been included in Southgate’s squads, having last been called up to the senior team two years’ ago when Sam Allardyce was in charge.

The 28-year-old also received a call-up in May 2013, but has never appeared for the Three Lions.

Now, he’ll hope his form for Saints will finally get him on field for England.

Fellow Saints man Ryan Bertrand missed out on the England squad.