Tommy Simkin has been called up to the England Under-21 squad for their October internationals, a first selection at that level for the Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper. He is one of five Rovers players to receive international recognition this month, a significant boost for a club currently 24th in League One with just three points from six games.
Simkin, 21, joined Rovers on a season-long loan from Stoke City in the summer and has made seven appearances across all competitions. He made his debut in the League Cup against Stockport County, where his penalty shoot-out saves were decisive in securing progression. He has since established himself as first-choice ahead of Josh Clarke.
Manager Grant McCann noted Simkin's involvement. "Simkin has appeared seven times for Rovers across all competitions this season," he said. The keeper was part of the England Under-21 squad that won the European Championships in 2025 under Lee Carsley and has previously won 10 caps at Under-18 and Under-20 levels.
He will compete with Birmingham City's James Beadles and Stevenage's Tommy Setford for minutes with the Young Lions, who are unbeaten in qualifying with six wins from seven matches. England host Kazakhstan and Slovakia before travelling to the Republic of Ireland. The team has scored 21 goals and conceded just 5 in their seven qualifying matches so far.
Four more Rovers called up
Simkin is joined by four teammates on international duty. Midfielders Bayley McCann and Darren Robinson are with the Northern Ireland Under-21s, who face Malta away before hosting Georgia and Greece. They sit third in their group, eight points behind leaders Germany and Greece. Northern Ireland have 10 points from their six matches played.
Defenders Leon Ayinde and Sean Grehan are in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad, which is in the same qualifying group as Simkin's England. They travel to Slovakia before hosting Kazakhstan, with their campaign ending against England. Ayinde scored Rovers' goal in their 1-3 home defeat to Huddersfield on September 8. The Republic of Ireland Under-21s are currently fourth in the group with 8 points from their seven games.
This flurry of call-ups provides a positive note during a challenging start to the league season. Rovers have lost their last three matches, including a 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon last time out, and face a key trip to 21st-placed Peterborough this weekend. The club's current standings position and upcoming fixtures underline the importance of returning players bringing confidence back to the squad.
The original report is at Doncaster Free Press
