Slav blocks international call-up

Slaven Bilic has revealed that that Reece Oxford won’t be allowed to join up  England Under-17’s for their World Cup campaign.

England kick off their Under-17 World Cup tournament with a game against Guinea in Coquimbo, Chile, with that game just under two weeks away.

The Irons boss has explained to BBC Sport the player is needed in the West Ham squad, with a ‘long-term plan’ in place to maintain his fitness.

He said: “Reece is an exceptional talent that we have to nurture. And we need him in the first team. We have made a long-term plan for him to not to affect his body and his development. If we let him go for one and a half months or whatever, it’s no good.”

“We are trying to sort that situation out with the Football Association and with Reece. My opinion is that if he plays, he should play for the Under-21s at least,” he added.