[long_read]
England claim third-place in the UEFA Nations League, the Lionesses are looking strong in the Women’s World Cup, life as a Three Lions fans is pretty good at the moment.
It’s felt like forever since people felt proud to support England, with every squad at all levels performing well and looking likely to lead the nation to a new generation of success, and this summer also sees another squad looking to add to the trophy cabinet in the form of the Under-21 Euros.
Aidy Boothroyd and his Young Lions head out to Italy to add to the success of the U-20 side who won the World Cup two years ago, many members of that squad being included in the team that will travel to the south of Europe and compete with some of the best countries in world football at youth level.
With 23 incredibly talented players heading off this summer to fight for a European championship, what is the best XI Boothroyd can field when the opening game against France gets underway in Cesena?
[snack_break title=”Goalkeeper”]
Dean Henderson
Taking the spot in between the sticks is Manchester United prospect Dean Henderson, who after a second impressive spell out on loan from Old Trafford has got many fans excited for both club and country.
The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising young keepers in England after a solid season with Sheffield United, and out of the shot-stoppers making the trip to Italy, Henderson by far has the most experience, as well as arguably the biggest future.
[snack_break title=”Defenders”]
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Many were shocked when Aaron Wan-Bissaka wasn’t called up for the England senior squad for the UEFA Nation League, but in hindsight, it was probably a good idea to allow the Crystal Palace star to play for the U-21s.
The Croydon-born full-back will benefit greatly with playing in a competition aimed at his age group, and after such a brilliant season with Palace, Wan-Bissaka can add a few more millions to his price tag with big performances in Italy.
Fikayo Tomori
A surprising star in the Championship this season, Fikayo Tomori led a Derby County defence that came inches away from promotion to the Premier League, and the Chelsea man might have done enough to put himself in contention for a place in the Blues’ first-team squad next term.
For England, though, Tomori will be one of the first names on the team sheet and will be one of the defenders in the tournament looking to make an impact and lead his side to glory against some of the best attacking prospects in Europe.
Jake Clarke-Salter
Another Chelsea loanee to impress greatly last season is Jake Clarke-Salter, who shined at Vitesse and will likely partner Tomori in the defence at the Euros.
Just like his club teammate, Clarke-Salter is a player who will hope he’s involved in the Chelsea first-team next season if the club are unable to get their transfer ban frozen this summer.
After such an impressive year in the Dutch top-flight, the 21-year-old could be one of the underrated stars for England.
Lloyd Kelly
Ryan Sessegnon has usually been Boothroyd’s choice of left-back in the build-up to the Euros, but if England are to remain watertight in defence and have a surprising option going forward, Lloyd Kelly could be a better option for the Young Lions.
The Bristol City defender had a breakout year with the Championship side, winning interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal and looking like a star for the future, and if Boothroyd takes a chance on the youngster, England could have yet another promising left-back in their ranks.
[snack_break title=”Midfielders”]
Hamza Choudhury
Of all the teams to take the charge in playing promising, homegrown talent, Leicester City are far and away the frontrunners, and in Hamza Choudhury, England and the Foxes have a midfielder they can rely on for years to come.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder enjoyed a solid season of first-team football under Brendan Rodgers, and despite being at 5 foot 10 (hair excluded), Choudhury’s surprising physicality has made him a nuisance in the Premier League for sides unlucky enough to face off against him.
Kieran Dowell
It always feels like Kieran Dowell is just one step away from first-team football in the Premier League with Everton, and this summer could be the push the youngster needs to cement his claim.
Although Dowell normally plays as a number 10, he has been seen playing as a deep-lying playmaker in the England set-up and could form a great partnership with Choudhury should Boothroyd look to change things up in the midfield pivot.
Reiss Nelson
Seven goals in the Bundesliga is no mean feat, especially for a player playing in their first full season in professional football at senior level, but that’s what Reiss Nelson managed for Hoffenheim.
The Arsenal man has flair, speed and incredible ability to find the net from any area of the attacking third, and although he could be a risky starter for Boothroyd, England will reap the rewards if Nelson turns up on game day.
James Maddison
When Leicester signed James Maddison from Norwich, not many would have expected the number 10 to flourish as much as he did in the Premier League, and just like Wan-Bissaka, many are confused about why the midfielder wasn’t fast-tracked into the England senior squad.
Maddison’s lack of international experience was arguably the reasoning behind his exclusion from the Nations League squad, but he looked more than ready for the full international tournament. From Boothroyd’s perspective, at least he will have one of the best players in the competition to call upon.
Demarai Gray
We weren’t kidding when we said Leicester were the leading Premier League side when it came to playing youngsters with big potential.
Former Birmingham City man Demarai Gray has been a regular for Leicester for the good part of two seasons and continues to improve. In Italy, the attacker can be a devastating force for opponents due to his pace and deadly finishing.
[snack_break title=”Forward”]
Tammy Abraham
Although Dominic Solanke has led the England U-21 attack for what seems like a hundred years, the Euros this year could see Tammy Abraham take the starting position after a great season with Aston Villa.
The Chelsea man has all the qualities to be the golden boot winner this summer in Italy, and after such a consistent season in the Championship, Abraham deserves a shot on the global stage to impress.
[/long_read]