Winger made first start for Baggies against Hammers
JONATHAN Leko will be available for the remainder of the season following Albion’s decision to withdraw him from England’s Under 17s Euros squad.
The England squad will fly to Azerbaijan for the finals this week but after his exciting first full appearance for the Baggies against West Ham, Leko will remain on Premier League duty.
Richard Garlick, Albion’s Director of Football Administration, informed the FA’s technical director of football Dan Ashworth of the Club’s decision after Leko became the first player born in 1999 to make a Premier League start on Saturday.
“We feel the experience Jonathan will gain from his involvement will be of even greater benefit to his development – and that is the key element for us,” said Garlick.
“Naturally, Dan would have wanted Jonathan to be involved in Azerbaijan but the opportunity to give young English players experience at this level of Club football is something the FA also strongly supports.”
Albion finish their campaign with a visit to Bournemouth on Saturday before closing the season at home to Liverpool on Sunday May 15.
The FA will confirm their squad, in which Leko has been an ever-present selection during the qualifying campaign, for the finals on Wednesday.