Friday 6 September 2019

The key men in England's new-look Under-21 squad

England Under-21s suffered frustration in the summer as they were knocked out of the European Championship in the group stages, but now it is time for a largely new crop of prospects to be given a chance to impress.

Just six members of Aidy Boothroyd's squad for the qualifiers away to Turkey and at home to Kosovo have previously played for the Young Lions.

Plenty of names, from Oliver Skipp and Marc Guehi to Jonathan Panzo, give Boothroyd's side a new lease of life, but there are some seriously talented names making their way through the age groups.   

Here's a look at some of the key players to look out for as England start the long road to the 2021 Euros, which will take place in Hungary and Slovenia.
 


 
Phil Foden
Position: Midfielder
Age: 19
Club: Manchester City
England Under-21 caps: Nine (one goal) 

There have been some suggestions that Foden should be fast-tracked to the England senior squad, but for now it seems it is the right decision for the supremely talented midfielder to continue developing with the Under-21s.
Foden provided a demonstration of his quality with a fine goal against France in the summer but has seen just ten minutes of playing time for City in the Premier League so far this season - that despite being described by Pep Guardiola as the 'most talented player' he has ever come across. High praise from a man who could count Lionel Messi among his key players at Barcelona.
These fixtures provide a player who is perhaps England's best prospect with the chance to showcase his credentials once more.

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