Southampton winger Nathan Redmond included in England's squad for Nations League finals

The Saints wideman was included ahead of other playmaking options, including James Maddison

Gareth Southgate has called up Nathan Redmond for England's Nations League finals in Porto next month.

The Southampton forward, who has won one England cap, is in Gareth Southgate's 27-man squad for the semi-final against Netherlands on 6 June.

Southgate praised Redmond's form, pointing to his improvement since Ralph Hasenhuttl took over as Southampton manager mid-way through the season. Southgate said that Redmond had a "difficult season" last year but was now on top of his game, and had earned his recall fto the group.

"He's finished the season really well at Southampton," Southgate said. "Since the change of manager I've liked the way the team have played. It's similar to the way we play. He has a lot of pace, presses well, started to score more regularly. He's finished the season really strongly. With a couple of others waiting, it's a really good opportunity for him."

England captain Harry Kane has been selected by Southgate despite an ankle ligament injury, while Harry Winks has also got the nod after groin surgery.

There is no place for Ruben Loftus-Cheek after sustaining a nasty-looking ankle injury playing in a friendly for Chelsea on Wednesday, while fellow midfielders Declan Rice and James Ward-Prowse are involved again.

Jesse Lingard and Joe Gomez return to the squad, while Luke Shaw and James Tarkowski are left out.