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.
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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]
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.
Topics: England, Thomas Tuchel, Lee Carsley , Premier League, Borussia Dortmund
Jack Kenmare