Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal has backed Alfie Mawson to be successful on the international stage for England.

The Swans centre-back was called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad on Thursday, ahead of their friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy later this month.

Despite Swansea sitting 14th in the Premier League table, Mawson has earned his first senior call-up for his country, and Carvalhal was quick to heap praise on his player.

"I am happy about [the call-up], he is a very good centre-back progressing a lot and he is a better player," he told reporters.

"We are helping him but all the credit goes to him, he plays with quality and is one of the best in his position in the Premier League.

"I have always said he is a player ready to play at that level, he is not just a good defender, but he is better and better in terms of starting attacks and playing from the back."

Carvalhal admitted that he did not know whether Mawson is likely to be included in Southgate's World Cup squad this summer, but believes that the 24-year-old is capable of playing at that level.

"I don't know, what I can say is he is ready for the highest level. The decision is up to my colleague, my job is to prepare my players to a good level," he added.

"The decisions for my team are mine, the decision for the national team is down to the national manager."

England's first friendly this month is against the Netherlands on March 23, followed by a Wembley clash against Italy four days later.