England fans demanding U21 star be called up to senior squad after Azerbaijan thrashing

England fans are calling for an U21 player to be drafted into the senior squad ahead of Euro 2024.

England's senior side take on Brazil in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday, before hosting Belgium on Tuesday.

It is one of Gareth Southgate's last remaining opportunities to work with his team ahead of the Euros in Germany this summer.

Earlier this week, the Three Lions boss made the shock decision to call up Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to his senior squad after initially leaving him out.

Mainoo, 18, was meant to feature for the U21s this month instead but was drafted into the senior set-up after helping United beat Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

As a result, he played no part in the Young Lions' 5-1 win over Azerbaijan on Friday afternoon.

Harvey Elliott (2), Noni Madueke, Jaden Philogene and Archie Gray gave the home side a comfortable victory in their qualifier for the 2025 U21 Euros.

Liverpool star Elliott has now scored eight goals in just 19 games for the U21 side, leading to calls for him to be included in England's senior squad.

"Should really be with the senior squad," posted one fan on X.

Another added: "Without doubt. Should be ahead of Mainoo, [Conor] Gallagher and [Jordan] Henderson."

"Harvey Elliott is too good for U21 football but Southgate won't call him because he's not playing for a London team or Manchester United," added another.

Meanwhile, another fan questioned whether the withdrawal of Bukayo Saka from the senior England squad earlier this week could allow Elliott to join up as a last-minute addition.

"If Saka went home is there a chance Southgate calls up Elliott to replace him," they posted.

While it appears unlikely Southgate would make such a decision in the current international break, Elliott will hope to work his way into contention for the senior squad in the final months of the season.

England are scheduled to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3 and Iceland on June 7 in their final friendlies ahead of the tournament, with their first game of Euro 2024 coming against Serbia on June 16.

Featured Image Credit: Getty & England/FA

Topics: England, Euro 2024, Harvey Elliott, Liverpool, Gareth Southgate, Fan Reactions

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan