Jan Bednarek included in Poland’s 23-man World Cup squad

Southampton defender Jan Bednarek is heading to Russia this summer after being included in Poland’s 23-man squad for the World Cup.

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Bednarek was a surprise inclusion in the provisional squad ahead of the prestigious tournament and it seems his form for Southampton has been enough to convince Poland boss Adam Nawałka of his qualities.

The young defender received his first ever Poland call-up earlier on in the season and after performing well in Saints’ survival bid in the Premier League, his efforts have been duly rewarded.

Bednarek’s Poland will be competing in Group H during the tournament, which begins in less than two weeks. The country will come up against Senegal, Colombia and Maya Yoshida’s Japan during the group stage.

Having joined from Lech Poznan last summer for £5m, Bednarek was regarded only as a backup option for Saints until Mark Hughes’ arrival. He then nailed down a place in the starting line-up and flourished as Saints beat the drop.

The Saints man will be desperate to cap a fine season with an appearance at his first ever major international tournament.