RYAN Ledson could miss up to three Oxford United games next month after the Football Association announced the itinerary for the England Under-20s side.

Former U's winger Paul Simpson has taken over the side, who are warming up for this summer's FIFA U20 World Cup.

The squad are taking part in a Four Nations Tournament alongside Portugal, Ivory Coast and hosts France.

England's games are played between March 23 and 28, although the group are likely to meet up at the start of the international window, on March 20.

If selected, Ledson would miss a home game against Bolton Wanderers (March 21) and the trip to Northampton Town four days later.

But United are also expected to rearrange another league fixture for the following Tuesday (March 28), with the opposition dependent on the outcome of tomorrow night's Checkatrade Trophy semi-final with Luton Town.

Ledson made it clear last week he would prefer to stay with the U's, especially of they were still in contention for the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

Head coach Michael Appleton was initially hoping to reach a compromise with the Football Association, but now has doubts over the chances of such an arrangement. 

He said: "We'll weigh it up, see what the situation is and take it from there really.

"From past experience I think we'll be barking up the wrong tree to get something out of it."

England Under-20s fixtures

  • Thurs, March 23: Portugal (Saint-Brieuc, 3pm GMT)
  • Sat, March 25: France (Saint-Breuc, 5pm)
  • Tues, March 28: Ivory Coast (Ploufragan Ville, 2.30pm)