THERE was a huge excitement this week in anticipation at the announcement of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, understandably so.
But the release of the first-team squad also means that England’s under-21 squad is also decided, and it is beautiful.
The country hasn’t possessed so much young talent in years, with Lee Carsley’s team looking better on paper than a lot of nation’s first team squads.
Here is my pick of five player’s from the under-21’s that will be challenging for the first team in no time at all.
Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
I wouldn’t blame you for assuming that Jarrad Branthwaite was in the first-team squad, but he’s only made the under-21s this time.
This will be the 22 year-olds last year of eligibility for Carsley’s squad, and will surely be in the first team by this time next year.
He’s had another brilliant year as Everton’s starting centre-back.
He’s tall, left-footed and great on the ball, the perfect heir to Harry Maguire.
Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
Why is Jordan Henderson in the squad and Adam Wharton isn’t?
21 year-old Wharton has been a key figure in Crystal Palace’s upturn in form and is already comfortable in the five-at-the-back system Tuchel loves so much.
He will almost certainly be in the World Cup squad in Henderson’s place, right?
Harvey Elliott – Liverpool
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has been around for a few years now, so it’s hard to believe he’s still only 21!
With nearly 100 Premier League appearances under his belt already, he’s experienced as a youngster, something Tuchel will value highly.
Also, he’s just off the back of getting an assist in the Carabao Cup Final and a winning goal against PSG in the space of two weeks!
Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal
When it was announced that Ethan Nwaneri wasn’t picked by Tuchel for the England first-team squad, Arsenal fans were angry.
I know what you might be thinking – yes Arsenal fans can be deluded, but they might be right on this one!
At SEVENTEEN years of age, Nwaneri is holding his own in the Arsenal starting XI with the absence of Bukayo Saka.
He’ll still be available for the under-21s for another four years, but will surely be fast-tracked to the first-team before he departs his teenage years if he carries on improving at this rate.
Liam Delap – Ipswich
Liam Delap is the only player 22 years-old or younger to hit double-digits in the Premier League this season.
He has all the attributes needed to be a lone striker and will likely be in the Premier League again next season, as it’s hard to imagine him playing in the Championship again when Ipswich get relegated.
It’s not an unpopular opinion anymore – but Liam Delap is the most likely long-term successor for Harry Kane at this moment!
