Lee Carsley has been named as England manager on an interim basis with the u-21 head coach set to take charge of the Three Lions for September’s internationals.
Carsley has had success with the u-21 side and led the Young Lions to European Championship success last summer, with several of that squad since stepping up into the senior side.
His appointment, as the FA continue their recruitment process to replace Gareth Southgate, offers hope to a selection of young talents who have impressed under Carsley in the younger age group.
We’ve looked at five players who could benefit from Carsley’s interim appointment.
Five u-21 players Lee Carsley could promote as England manager
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott has been a standout performer for Carsley with the midfielder having earned 20 caps for England at u-21 level.
Elliott formed part of the successful team at last summer’s European Championship before taking his game up a level in an England shirt since.
He is the leading scorer among all nations in 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, having netted seven times and provided four assists in just seven appearances.
This angle. On repeat. ????✨ pic.twitter.com/y11VVUxHuO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 5, 2024
Elliott has been backed for full international honours since making his Fulham debut at 15, though he must first nail down a regular place in the Liverpool side to compete for senior selection. Carsley, however, knows better than most what the midfielder is capable of.
Angel Gomes
Angel Gomes has become somewhat of a forgotten figure for Premier League fans. At 16, the midfielder became Manchester United’s youngest debutant in 64 years but has since headed abroad to continue his development.
Currently with Lille, the 23-year-old was the joint-leading assist provider in Ligue 1 (8) last season and impressed for England during his time with the u-21 side.
Gomes was crucial to England under Carsley with his ability to receive the ball in deep areas of the pitch under pressure. Building from the back has been an issue for England and Gomes, comfortable as a six, eight or ten, could aid that.
Anthony Elanga names Angel Gomes as the most underrated player he’s ever played with ????
????️ “He’s honestly so good. I feel like people watched him in the U21 Euros that England won, he showed his qualities as a number 6, 8 and ten – he’s amazing”
Real ones remember these two… pic.twitter.com/d1Nh6UjYIY
— Rising Ballers (@RisingBallers_) March 12, 2024
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones often featured alongside Gomes as part of a two-man midfield pivot, a more defensive role than we have been accustomed to seeing the 23-year-old in for Liverpool.
Jones is perhaps yet to find his best role for club or country, but his press-resistant ability to retain possession makes him an interesting option for Carsley to consider.
Last season, Jones ranked in the top seven per cent of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, successful take-ons and attacking penalty area touches per game in 2023-24.
Called up to the provisional squad for Euro 2024, he’s knocking on the door of an England debut.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Marc Guehi’s impressive campaign at Euro 2024 appears to have cemented his place as an England regular, though there’s room for new faces in a competitive centre-back group.
Harry Maguire and Lewis Dunk are into their thirties, while Jarrad Branthwaite and Levi Colwill are heading the next generation. Taylor Harwood-Bellis will be hoping to stake a claim for involvement as he prepares for a first season at Premier League level with Southampton.
The 22-year-old is well thought of in the national set-up and captained England to their u-21 European Championship success last summer, as Carsley’s side won the tournament without conceding a goal.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White will feel he is close to England selection, with two excellent seasons at Nottingham Forest strengthening his case.
The 24-year-old was named Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Season in 2022-23 before recording 10 assists to help Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat the drop last term. Just two players created more Premier League goals than the midfielder, who has the self-confidence and technique to thrive at international level.
???? Cole Palmer
⚽ Gibbs-White#U21EURO | @England pic.twitter.com/AcyUc1Zm7e— UEFA U19 EURO (@UEFAUnder21) July 5, 2023
A winner of two tournaments with England after u-17 World Cup (2017) and u-21 European Championship (2023) triumphs, a step into the senior side appears to be a natural progression.
Read – Carsley appointment ‘makes sense’ as u-21 boss becomes England interim manager
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