England name outrageous U21 squad that's 'better than the senior team' and includes four full internationals

Lee Carsley has named his England under-21 squad for the upcoming international break, with a number of in-form Premier League stars featuring in a team brimming with talent.

For the first time in 2025, the Young Lions will play on home soil when they face Rui Jorge's Portugal at the Hawthorns – home of West Bromwich Albion – on March 24.

Three days prior to that game, Carsley's men will travel to Lorient to take on the likes of Rayan Cherki, Hugo Ekitike and Wilson Odobert as they take on a star-studded France side.

In terms of selections, Carsley has picked a host of in-form players from around Europe. Jamie Gittens, who continues to impress for Borussia Dortmund, is included alongside Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham.

Elliot Anderson has also been called up following his superb campaign for overachievers Nottingham Forest, while three Ipswich players – Liam Delap, Jaden Philogene and Omari Hutchinson – feature in forward areas.

One of Arsenal's standout performers of late, Ethan Nwaneri, was tipped to make Thomas Tuchel's senior squad after featuring heavily under Mikel Arteta of late, but the 17-year-old will have to wait for his chance.

As per Transfermarkt, the combined market value of England's latest U21 squad stands at over £400 million as a host of in-form players get ready to feature, including Jay Stansfield and Archie Gray.

Lee Carsley's England U21 squad in full:

Goalkeepers

James Beadle - Sheffield Wednesday [on loan from Brighton]

Teddy Sharman-Lowe - Doncaster Rovers [on loan from Chelsea]

Tommy Simkin - Walsall [on loan from Stoke City]

Defenders

Charlie Cresswell - Toulouse FC

CJ Egan-Riley - Burnley

Dennis Cirkin - Sunderland

Jarrad Branthwaite - Everton

Rico Lewis - Manchester City

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - Southampton

Midfielders

Adam Wharton - Crystal Palace

Alex Scott - Bournemouth

Archie Gray - Spurs

Elliot Anderson - Nottingham Forest

Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough

Jack Hinshelwood - Brighton

Jamie Gittens - Borussia Dortmund

Jobe Bellingham - Sunderland

Attackers

Ethan Nwaneri - Arsenal

Harvey Elliott - Liverpool

Jaden Philogene - Ipswich Town

James McAtee - Manchester City

Jay Stansfield - Birmingham City

Liam Delap - Ipswich Town

Omari Hutchinson - Ipswich Town

Sam Iling Jr - Middlesbrough [on loan from Aston Villa]

Nwaneri has been on fire for Arsenal of late. Image credit: Getty

Here's how fans on social media have reacted to the squad, with many feeling the Young Lions be more entertaining to watch than Thomas Tuchel's latest senior squad that includes Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker.

One wrote: "Branthwaite, Wharton and Delap should all be in the senior squad. That is one of the best U21 squads I've ever seen," while another commented: "Why is our under 21s better than the first team."

A third said: "This would genuinely give the side Thomas Tuchel named a run for its money. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’d win tbh."

A fourth wrote: "That’s better than the first team squad," and a fifth added. "Rather watch this team than the senior squad tbh."

Thoughts on Carsley's selections? Let us know in the comments.