England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley has delivered a major selection surprise ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifiers, opting to leave out several established Premier League talents while handing opportunities to emerging stars including Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham.
Notable Absences Raise Eyebrows
In a bold move that signals a shift in selection policy, Carsley has excluded Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore, Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, and Manchester City's Rico Lewis from his latest squad. The decision comes despite all three players featuring regularly for their Premier League clubs this season.
The most surprising omission appears to be Harvey Elliott, who has been a consistent performer for Liverpool across all competitions. Similarly, Rico Lewis's absence is notable given his involvement in Pep Guardiola's treble-winning squad.
New Faces Given Their Chance
The 23-man squad sees several fresh inclusions, with Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham earning a recall after his impressive Championship campaign. The 18-year-old midfielder, younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, has been turning heads with his mature performances for the Black Cats.
Other newcomers include Leeds United's Charlie Cresswell and Arsenal's promising defender Reuell Walters, both receiving their first call-ups to the U21 setup.
Qualifying Campaign Continues
England currently sit second in Group F, trailing leaders Ukraine by two points but with two games in hand. The Young Lions face crucial matches against Azerbaijan at Bolton's Toughsheet Community Stadium on Friday, November 17th, followed by a trip to face Israel the following Tuesday.
"We've had to make some tough decisions," Carsley explained. "While some established players have been omitted, this gives us an opportunity to look at other talented individuals who have been performing consistently at club level."
Looking Towards Euro 2025
With qualification for the European Championship in Slovakia firmly in sight, Carsley appears to be balancing immediate qualification needs with long-term development planning. The former Everton midfielder has emphasised the importance of building a squad capable of challenging for the tournament title in 2025.
The selection decisions suggest Carsley is prioritising players who are receiving regular first-team football, regardless of the division, over those with limited minutes in higher-profile environments.
