The England U20 squad, now officially known as the England Elite Squad, led by Ben Futcher, is gearing up to face Portugal and Switzerland during the upcoming March international break. Still unbeaten this season in the Euro Elite League, the Young Lions will be looking to extend their impressive run. Their first fixture sees them take on Portugal on 21 March at Leiria’s Municipal Stadium, before heading to Marbella to face Switzerland on 24 March. With a 22-man squad featuring several exciting talents from the Premier League and Championship, England will be keen to reinforce their dominance in the competition.
Familiar Faces and a Few Surprises
The England U20s boast a highly promising generation, with many players already gaining valuable experience at senior level. Among them, George Earthy, currently on loan at Bristol City, has been making a name for himself in the Championship and returns to the squad after his first call-up to the U21s. Another key player to watch is Dane Scarlett, who endured a difficult spell at Oxford United before being recalled by Tottenham, where he recently got on the scoresheet in the Europa League.
In defence, Oliver Scarles continues his rapid development, having featured in the Premier League for West Ham since Graham Potter’s arrival. His club teammate Kaelan Casey, a mainstay in the squad this season, brings further solidity to a well-drilled defensive unit.
A more unexpected inclusion sees Trey Nyoni of Liverpool make the step up, just four months after featuring for the U19s in November. The 17-year-old midfielder is highly rated within the England setup and will now have the opportunity to test himself at U20 level.
England Elite Squad for March Fixtures :
Goalkeepers:
- Elyh Harrison (Manchester United)
- Max Merrick (Hampton & Richmond, on loan from Chelsea)
- Matthew Young (Salford City, on loan from Sunderland)
Defenders:
- Max Alleyne (Manchester City)
- Kaelan Casey (West Ham United)
- Kellen Fisher (Norwich City)
- Ben Nelson (Oxford United, on loan from Leicester City)
- Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Genoa)
- Ashley Phillips (Stoke City, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
- Oliver Scarles (West Ham United)
Midfielders:
- Tobias Collyer (Manchester United)
- Darko Gyabi (Plymouth Argyle, on loan from Leeds United)
- James McConnell (Liverpool)
- Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)
- Sydie Peck (Sheffield United)
- Jacob Wright (Norwich City, on loan from Manchester City)
Forwards:
- William Alves (Cardiff City, on loan from Leicester City)
- George Earthy (Bristol City, on loan from West Ham)
- Romain Esse (Crystal Palace)
- Divin Mubama (Manchester City)
- Trey Nyoni (Liverpool)
- Dane Scarlett (Tottenham Hotspur)
