TWTD has learnt that academy central defender Tommy Smith has turned down the chance to play for New Zealand to commit his international future to England. The 16-year-old qualifies to play for both countries and was recently named in each of their U17 squads.

First-year academy scholar Smith was born in Macclesfield but moved to New Zealand as a boy and qualifies for the All Whites through residency.

Two weeks ago the highly rated youngster was called into the New Zealand U17 squad for the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament held in Tahiti in March. Last week Smith, who Jim Magilton has tipped to push for a first team place this season, was named in England's U17 squad for a friendly tournament in Portugal next month.

The England team, coached by John Peacock, play the hosts on Saturday, 17th February, then France the following day and Germany on the subsequent Tuesday.

England U17 Squad: Ben Amos (Manchester United), Moses Barnett (Arsenal), Liam Darville (Leeds United), Tom Elliott (Leeds United), Jonathan Franks (Middlesbrough), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Joseph Mattock (Leicester City), Victor Moses (Crystal Palace), Rhys Murphy (Arsenal), Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi (Chelsea), Nathan Porritt (Middlesbrough), Daniel Rose (Leeds United), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Jordan Spence (West Ham United), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough), Tom Taiwo (Chelsea), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United), Michael Woods (Chelsea).

Photo: Action Images

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