Three days ahead of the U21 EURO 2025 kick-off, England has unveiled its final squad of 23 players set to defend the title won in 2024. Initially, Lee Carsley’s selection included 29 names, but some players were left out due to tactical choices, while others will miss the tournament due to the Club World Cup taking place at the same time.
Among the squad’s key players, Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse) and Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), both part of the triumphant 2023 team, remain in the setup. Defensively, Jarell Quansah, fresh off a Premier League-winning season with Liverpool, and Tino Livramento (Newcastle) will add solidity at the back.
In attack, Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town) and Sam Iling Jnr (Aston Villa) are among the available offensive options, while James McAtee (Manchester City) hopes to shine after an impressive season. However, the squad will be without Liam Delap. The young striker, recently transferred from Ipswich to Chelsea in a £30 million deal, was expected to be a key asset in England’s attacking lineup.
His absence is due to his commitment with Chelsea for the Club World Cup, which coincides with the U21 EURO schedule. Despite this setback, Carsley expressed his happiness for Delap, acknowledging his step up to Premier League football. Nevertheless, his absence remains a disappointment, as his attacking qualities could have been a valuable asset in England’s title defense.
Despite some uncertainties surrounding transfers, Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), who has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, will be part of the squad. Additionally, Tom Fellows (West Brom) will travel with the team as an extra player for training sessions.
Full squad list :
Goalkeepers : James Beadle (Brighton), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea), Tommy Simkin (Stoke City)
Defenders : Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse), Ronnie Edwards (Southampton), CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Brooke Norton Cuffy (Genoa), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
Midfielders : Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), Archie Gray (Tottenham), Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Forwards : Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town), Sam Iling Jnr (Aston Villa), James McAtee (Manchester City), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Jonathan Rowe (Marseille), Jay Stansfield (Birmingham)
