England and Lions lock Nigel Redman and England fly-half Mark Mapletoft coach the squad that spent a week training in Portugal before Christmas and will hold a second training camp at Bath University from January 21-25 before preparing for the opening game at Kingsholm on February 1 (7.35pm).

Nineteen of the squad have previously represented England at Under-19 level with the remainder stepping up from last year's England Under-18 sides.

Redman is pleased with the progress made by the group so far this season, with several players featuring for their Guinness Premiership teams and others receiving exposure on loan with National League clubs. Both Gray and Lawes have both played for the Saints in NL1 this season.

"As a group they've done very well so far this season and put in a lot of productive work in our training camp in Portugal where we were able to focus on the organisational, technical and tactical side of the game," said Redman. "Many of them are now playing regular rugby, either in the Guinness Premiership, in the 'A' League or on loan at National League clubs. A lot of the problems we've had in the past of them not playing frequently enough have been addressed and that's a real positive for us.

"Playing at England Under-20 level is a real springboard for these players, not only in terms of representative rugby but also in helping them make progress for their clubs. They have the chance to get more exposure, develop their game and build confidence. This game is about club plus country and everyone should benefit."

Saints Academy manager Rob Hunter is delighted for his players.

"Courtney and Joe have both played well this season and deserve this recognition," he said. "Their quality is shown in that they are two of only three players to come from NL1 clubs. They both work hard and will gain a lot from the experience."

England Under-20 squad
Forwards
Nathan Catt (Bath Rugby)
Calum Clark (Leeds Tykes)
James Clark (London Irish)
Danny Birchall (Sale Sharks)
Alex Corbisiero (London Irish)
Matt Cox (Worcester Warriors)
Hugo Ellis (London Wasps)
Jon Fisher (London Irish)
Scott Freer (Leeds Carnegie)
Greg Gillanders (Leicester Tigers)
Joe Gray (Northampton Saints)
Scott Hobson (Cornish Pirates)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Billy Moss (Bath Rugby)
Tom Sargeant (Harlequins)
Andy Saull (Saracens)
Ben Thomas (Saracens)

Backs
Johnny Arr (Worcester Warriors)
Miles Benjamin (Worcester Warriors)
Noah Cato (Saracens)
Luke Eves (Bristol Rugby)
Alex Goode (Saracens)
Adam Greendale (Leeds Carnegie)
Rob Miller (Newcastle Falcons)
Dan Norton (Gloucester Rugby)
Charlie Sharples (Gloucester Rugby)
Joe Simpson (London Wasps)
Seb Stegman (Harlequins)
Alex Tait (Newcastle Falcons)
Greig Tonks (Leicester Tigers)
Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

England Under-20 fixtures
February 1: England v Wales (Gloucester, 7.45pm)
February 9: Italy v England (Genoa, 3pm)
February 22: France v England (Grenoble, 8.30pm)
March 7: Scotland v England (Falkirk, 7.30pm)
March 14: England v Ireland (Gloucester, 7.35pm, live on Sky Sports)

IRB Junior World Championships (Wales)
June 6: England v Fiji (Newport, 7pm)
June 10: England v Canada (Newport, 5pm)
June 14: England v Australia (Newport, 5pm)
June 18: Match Day Four
June 21: Finals DaY