Will Packwood called up for USA U-23 friendlies

Will Packwood will be with the United States U-23s for their upcoming friendlies. Birmingham City confirmed that the central defender had gotten the call, as Packwood gets a chance to earn his place in the U-23 side ahead of next year's Olympics.

Packwood was once one of the most highly regarded young players in the U.S. system, but injuries have taken their toll. Now, still with Birmingham City, he's played just one appearance for the club all season, to go along with a couple showings for lower level clubs on short-term loans. He is still just 21 years old and has shown that he can be an excellent player, but that was at a younger age and before injuries. Now, he has to prove himself all over again.

The central defender has played for the U-23s once before. Now he's getting another opportunity and, while the U-23 team is very talented, they are hardly settled at the back, so Packwood has a path to being a regular contributor if he impresses.

Packwood's call-up is for a European training camp from March 23-April 1. In addition to training, the team will also take on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Denmark in friendlies. The rest of the roster is expected to be announced this weekend.