Gareth Southgate has announced that Jack Butland will be the England Under-21s' captain for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

The goalkeeper, who is currently on loan at Barnsley, will replace Liverpool's Andre Wisdom, who has a four-match ban after being sent off against Finland last month.

The team's manager told reporters: "Jack Butland will be captain. First and foremost, his professionalism and his standing within the group is very high.

"He is our most experienced player, he has obviously played for the seniors, and, around the squad, I think he is a very good influence. He connects well with all of the squad and I think that is important.

"Andre suffered a harsh lesson because it is a four-game ban and it is one which we as a squad must take on board. I went to see him because I think it was important that he realised we are supportive of him."

England face San Marino and Lithuania in the next week.