Latics Academy graduate has been called up by England’s Euro Elite Squad for their upcoming fixtures in November

International News | Charlie Hughes earns his first England Euro Elite Squad call-up!
The Latics Academy graduate has won his first international call-up for Ben Futcher’s side
Hughes has started 19 times for Latics at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, scoring two goals

Wigan Athletic is proud to announce that Charlie Hughes has earned his first international call-up for the England Men’s Euro Elite Squad.

Formerly known as the MU20s, the England Men’s Euro Elite League squad is open for players born between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2004. England will continue their Elite League campaign later this month, hosting Italy in Doncaster (16 November) before travelling to face Germany (20 November).

A product of the Wigan Athletic Academy, Hughes joined the Football Club as an U15 and has impressed immensely throughout his time at the DW Stadium.

Hughes made his first-team breakthrough at the DW Stadium last term, being a real shining light in what was a difficult season for everyone connected to the Football Club. He featured 23 times for Latics and was also named as the Club’s PFA Community Champion off the field as a reward for his dedication to helping others and giving back to the local community.

The 20-year-old has continued to excel at the start of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign, showing immense leadership qualities beyond his years and captaining the first team on a number of different occasions. The central defender has started 19 matches in all competitions, contributing to six clean sheets and scoring in the games against Northampton Town and Burton Albion.

On the back of his outstanding start to 2023/24, Hughes has become the latest Latics Academy graduate to earn international recognition this season, following in the footsteps of Sam Tickle, Baba Adeeko, Abdi Sharif and Thelo Aasgaard. The fantastic news will come much to the delight of everyone associated with the Football Club, with Hughes being fully deserving of his international call-up.

It’s an extremely proud moment for Latics to see yet another one of their homegrown stars receive the opportunity to represent their country and just reward for the Academy support staff and coaches who have helped Hughes during his journey to date.

Commenting on his first England call-up, Charlie Hughes said:

“I am incredibly honoured to have received my first England call-up. It’s hard to put the feeling into words, and it will definitely take a while to sink in.

“It’s an unbelievably proud moment for myself, my family, and everyone who has helped me throughout my journey so far.

“Every player dreams of playing for their country and competing at the highest level and I am really excited for the opportunity. I thank everyone at Wigan Athletic for making this possible, and always believing in me.

“Representing England is going to be an incredible experience for me, and hopefully I can make my friends, family, and this Football Club proud.”

First-Team Manager, Shaun Maloney added.

“It’s amazing news. In my opinion, it’s well deserved. His form this season - and performances since I came in - have been at such a high level.

“I am really happy for him and his family. He is a very good professional. It’s brilliant news and I am really pleased for him and everyone at the Academy can be proud. I think it’s only the start for Charlie.”

International News | Charlie Hughes earns his first England Euro Elite Squad call-up!