YOUNG Lions Tommy Bell and Koree Britton are on the hunt for more international caps having been named in the England Under-18 squad for the remainder of the season.

Ivybridge Community College academy student Britton and former pupil Bell are both included in England's 23-strong squad.

Bell, who plays in the backs, usually at centre, and hooker Britton have five international fixtures ahead of them.

The pair played in last December's season-opening under-18 Test against their Australian counterparts, which ended in a 30-28 victory for England.

Britton, who turns 18 in March, started the game, while Bell, who is also 17, clinched victory for the hosts with a try five minutes from the end.

Their next test comes against France U18s, at Newbury on February 20, followed by four more fixtures in March and April.

On March 7, at Calvisano, England U18s meet Italy and on April 28 they travel to Wales, at a venue yet to be decided.

At the Six Nations Festival in Wales, England U18s meet Ireland and Scotland on April 2 and April 6, respectively.

Bell, for one, is keen to make the most of his opportunity and keep on course his ambition to follow his older brother Chris into the Premiership.

"That's my goal – to play for England's senior team one day and also compete in the Premiership," said Bell, who is studying at Bacup and Rawenstall Grammar School and also on Sale Sharks' books, like his highly-acclaimed brother.

"So, to be in the England squad for the rest of the season is really good, particularly, with some great matches coming up in the series.

"I managed to get 25 minutes at the end of the match against Australia and I think I did alright.

"I managed to score our winning try which was a real thrill for me.

"I also managed a few minutes for the under-19s coming off the bench against the Australians, which was awesome.

"Hopefully, I can continue to progress, as I'm keen to try and get as far as Chris has.

"His career has been an inspiration to me."

Both Bell and Britton have bright future futures, said Ivybridge academy manager Rob Gibson, who with the college's deputy principal Malcolm Collins deserve great credit for the prospects' progress.

"The pair in their own different ways are terrifically-talented young rugby players," said Gibson.

"Koree has the makings of a possible Premiership player, as does Tommy.

"They have different strengths and qualities, of course, but both are very strong in their own positions.

"Koree is an abrasive type of hooker, who is ready to take anyone on, while also keen to learn the more technical refinements of the game.

"He's about 102kg and is solidly built which for a 17-year-old is really something and an uncompromising opponent for some.

"His throwing is improving, too, so I'm not surprised he's been selected again for the under-18s.

"He's working hard and progressing all the while."

Gibson added: "We're very pleased for Tommy who is certainly on course for a good career.

"I don't know what his best position will eventually be, whether at full-back or as he is presently at centre. He could probably hold his own in the senior game with his kicking – Tommy's that good.

"We will watch them with interest over the next couple of months."