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Nathaniel Chalobah's England call-up is 'fantastic' for Watford, says Marco Silva

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Watford boss Marco Silva has congratulated Nathaniel Chalobah on his recent England call-up

Watford manager Marco Silva believes Nathaniel Chalobah's international call-up is "fantastic" for both the player and his club.

Chalobah is one of three uncapped players to have been included in Gareth Southgate's 28-man squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia and is the first player contracted to Watford to receive a senior England call-up since John Barnes in 1987.

The 22-year-old, who recently signed a five-year deal with Watford from Chelsea, could make his debut at the Ta'Qali National Stadium in Malta on September 1 and Silva believes the youngster fully deserves his place in the squad.

Nathaniel Chalobah left Chelsea to join Watford
Image: Chalobah is the first Watford player to be called up to the England squad in 30 years

Speaking ahead of the squad announcement on Thursday afternoon, Silva said: "First, I have to give congratulations to him if it's true, we have to wait. It's very good for us as a club [but] first for the boy.

"It is one target in his mind, one goal he has for his career. It is fantastic for him if he can achieve this. Of course, it is a very good moment for the club.

"If it is true, he will go there and work hard like he works every day here, but the first thing I will say to him is congratulations."

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Highlights of the Carabao Cup match between Watford and Bristol City

Silva suffered his first defeat as Watford boss on Tuesday night as the Hornets lost 3-2 to Bristol City in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

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The Portuguese was disappointed with his side's performance and has warned his players to expect another tough test on Saturday when they take on Brighton at Vicarage Road in the Premier League.

"[They are] a team with very good organisation, defensive organisation," said Silva. "I am sure they will put new players in their attacking line-up because they have signed new players, fast players - good players as well.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Manager of Watford, Marco Silva during the pre season friendly match between Aston Villa and Watford  at Villa Park on July
Image: Silva has backed his side to bounce back from their defeat to Bristol City when they host Brighton on Saturday

"We need to continue in our way - the way we showed in the first two Premier League matches and not the way we showed in the last game.

"We need to respect our opponents and show on the pitch the same attitude, the same commitment and behaviour as a team as we showed in our first two games."

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