England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate has insisted that Danny Ings has earned his place in the squad following his good start to the season.

The Burnley striker scored a brace on his full debut to help the Under-21s to a 9-0 victory over San Marino on Tuesday evening.

Southgate has admitted that he has been impressed with the 21-year-old.

"In every training session Danny has had with us he has looked more and more comfortable in the environment," Southgate told Burnley's official website.

"I was very impressed when I came to watch him for the first time and he has a desire to improve and learn.

"The runs that Danny makes across the face of defenders and the quality of his finishing is excellent and everything I have seen from him has been very positive."

Ings has scored 16 goals in his last 20 games for club and country.

Written by
Steven Toplis