SAINTS defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to miss the Under-21 European Championships with England this summer, following a fresh injury update.

Harwood-Bellis, 23, was ruled out of Southampton's 2-1 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday after undergoing ankle surgery during the prior week.

The England skipper was forced off late on against Everton at Goodison Park after a nasty blow to his ankle, which could now rule him out for six to 12 weeks.

Harwood-Bellis was in attendance at St Mary's on the final day season, sporting a banged ankle and using crutches to help him move around.

Although he was not named in England's European Championship preparations squad last week, interim boss Simon Rusk remained optimistic.

However, after catching up with Harwood-Bellis on Friday afternoon, the former England coach is sure the defender will miss next month's tournament in Slovakia.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis suffered an ankle injury late on at Goodison Park.Taylor Harwood-Bellis suffered an ankle injury late on at Goodison Park. (Image: PA) READ: Five things new boss Still will have learnt from watching Saints against Arsenal

Asked if Harwood-Bellis will miss the chance to help England defend their title, Rusk said: "That's my assumption, yeah."

Southampton defender Ronnie Edwards has been named in Lee Carsley's preparation squad, having made his under-21s debut earlier this season.

The 22 year old has recharted his career trajectory since joining QPR on loan in January, where he gained regular minutes in the Championship.

Edwards ended his time at QPR as a Loftus Road favourite, and could now represent England at a youth international tournament for the second time in his career.

The former Peterborough defender lifted the Under-19 European Championship in 2022, after the Young Lions beat Israel in the final in Slovakia.

Carsley names his final squad of 23-man squad for the Euros on Friday, June 6. England are in Group B with Czech Republic, Germany and Slovenia.