Hardy, born in 2008 and a Watford native, has been with Spurs since the age of eight and previously captained England’s U‑17 side, but he has yet to make his first‑team debut despite regular pre‑season appearances and inclusion in several matchday squads.
The call‑up is described as a huge step for the young defender, yet both he and Braithwaite are not expected to feature in England’s upcoming fixtures; Hardy will instead turn out for the England U‑19s in friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Norway.
Tottenham’s recent summer signings of three senior centre‑backs – Jean‑Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo – under manager Roberto De Zerbi are set to limit Hardy’s immediate first‑team chances, a situation further compounded by Spurs’ early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool.
Braithwaite, a 6ft 4in centre‑back, already has three senior appearances for Manchester City, the latest coming in the club’s 5‑0 Carabao Cup rout of Norwich City.