Exeter City anger after Kamari Doyle called up by England U20s - but League One game goes ahead

Exeter City boss Matt Taylor has expressed his anger after defender Kamari Doyle was called up by England Under-20s for their upcoming friendlies against Chile and Japan - despite the defender being scheduled to play for Exeter in their League One clash with Portsmouth on Tuesday, March 28.

Taylor told BBC Sport: "It's a difficult one to take. We're really disappointed and very surprised. We've had no communication from The FA whatsoever."

Doyle, who has made 15 appearances for Exeter this season, was named in Ian Foster's Young Lions squad on Monday, March 27. However, the defender is now set to miss Exeter's crucial match against Portsmouth, which could have a significant impact on their promotion hopes.

Taylor added: "We knew there was a possibility of him being called up, but we were told that he wouldn't be involved in the friendlies. So we're very disappointed that he's been called up and that he's going to miss the game against Portsmouth."

Exeter are currently third in League One, just one point behind second-placed Barnsley. Portsmouth are eighth, six points behind Exeter.

The Young Lions will face Chile at St George's Park on Friday, March 31, before taking on Japan at the same venue on Monday, April 3.

It is unclear whether Doyle will be released back to Exeter in time for their match against Portsmouth. However, Taylor is hopeful that the defender will be available for the Grecians' next game, away to Cambridge United on Saturday, April 1.

He said: "We're hopeful that we'll have him back for the Cambridge game. But we'll have to see what The FA say and what Kamari says."