England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has announced his squad for their upcoming Euro U21 qualifiers. The Young Lions will take on Kosovo and Austria at the beginning of September – both away from home.
England U21 Squad Announced
Bellingham Included in Squad for First Time
Aidy Boothroyd has revealed his 23-man squad for next month’s internationals earlier today.
His side remain unbeaten in their qualifying group, with four straight wins. The squad includes Jude Bellingham and Josh Dasilva for the first time, with both making the step up from younger age groups.
Bellingham, who only made his England U17 debut last September has been fast-tracked into Boothroyd’s squad after his summer move to Borussia Dortmund; his inclusion in the squad is a testament to the 17-year-old’s potential.
Dasilva, who is a regular for Championship side Brentford, also gets a call-up for the first time at this level.
Ramsdale Number One for Boothroyd
In the goalkeeping department, Aaron Ramsdale appears to be the number one choice for Boothroyd’s side. Ramsdale recently completed a move back to boyhood club Sheffield United.
With Doncaster Rovers loanee Josef Bursik and Tottenham Hotspurs‘ Brandon Austin the other two keepers chosen to represent their country.
Brandon Williams Misses Out Through Injury
Manchester United defender Brandon William misses out due to a minor foot injury. Whilst Norwich City‘s Max Aarons and Ben Godfrey are likely to feature at the back for the Young Lions.
Boothroyd also picked Chelsea defenders Reece James and Marc Guehi, with the latter currently on loan at Swansea City. In addition to AS Monaco’s Jonathan Panzo, Leicester City’s James Justin and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.
Eze Makes England Under-21 Squad Ahead of Big Move
QPR’s Eberechi Eze is included in the squad, ahead of his potential move to Crystal Palace.
Arsenal duo Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka are named after breakthrough seasons under Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile, Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell and Tottenham loanee Oliver Skipp make it four players representing the Canaries.
Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham, Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher and Everton’s Tom Davies make up the rest of the midfielders.
However, Burnley’s Dwight McNeil is a surprise exclusion from the under-21 squad.
Hudson-Odoi Returns to Under-21 Setup
After being part of the senior side 10 months ago, Callum Hudson-Odoi returns to Aidy Boothroyd’s squad.
At just 19-years-old, the winger has already earnt three caps for Gareth Southgate’s side, however, it appears that some more time with the under-21s is needed.
He joins Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster in the attacking line-up. Brewster impressed last season whilst on loan at Swansea, scoring 10 times.
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