Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth has backed former Blues defender Alfie Mawson to be picked for England's World Cup squad to Russia.

Mawson received his first call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the friendlies against Netherlands and Italy but was an unused substitute for both games.

However, Ainsworth backed Mawson to force his way into Southgate's plans for the World Cup, with the provisional squad being announced on May 14.

Ainsworth said: "I am so, so proud to see him in the squad.

"I spoke to him on the phone when he got called up and he still has that humility, thanking for his time at Wycombe.

"I got an invite to go to last night's game and it is fantastic to see that he still remembers his time fondly at Wycombe Wanderers.

"I hope he gets in the World Cup squad. I can't see why he won't. For me, he is one of the best centre halves in the Premier League.

"He is young and still learning and I think he would be a fantastic addition to the national team.

"Unfortunately he didn't get any minutes last night against Italy but I am sure there are minutes to come."