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Five England U21 Euro winners who could make the plane for the 2026 World Cup

Five England U21 Euro winners who could make the plane for the 2026 World Cup

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England’s next generation is in good shape after Lee Carsley’s side went all the way at this summer’s U21 European Championships.

By Graham Ruthven

It took an extra time winner by Jonathan Rowe, but England got the better of Germany to win the U21 European Championships, highlighting the talent the Three Lions have coming through and a system that has already produced the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.

Thomas Tuchel already possesses one of the strongest and deepest squads in international football, but he could still dip into England’s triumphant U21 team for a player or two ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Here are five such players who look to have a bright future for the senior national team.

Elliot Anderson

It wasn’t so long ago that Elliot Anderson was called up by Scotland, even training with Steve Clarke’s side north of the border. Now, the Nottingham Forest midfielder is one of England’s brightest prospects for the future, shining for Lee Carsley’s side in the centre of the pitch at the U21 Euros.

Anderson was a creative force for Forest last season, registering six Premier League assists. He ranked behind only Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi for chances created over the whole campaign, also ranking highly for dribbles per 90 minutes (1.2). Anderson offers dynamism and directness.

Harvey Elliott

Handed the Player of the Tournament award, Harvey Elliott shone brighter than anyone else at the U21 Euros. The Liverpool player operated on the right side of England’s midfield four, but was afforded the freedom to drift inside where he could influence matches with his natural creativity and ability on the ball.

Elliott lacks the speed to play as an out-and-out winger, but his intelligent use of the ball and awareness of space makes him perfect for the modern game. Carsley made good use of Elliott’s skill set by funnelling a lot of England’s attacking play through the Liverpool midfielder at the U21 Euros. 

Despite his clear potential, Elliott has been strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer. The Premier League champions are reportedly open to selling the 22-year-old, but only for a fee of over £40m with a buy-back clause. Elliott scored in each of England’s three knockout games at the U21 Euros and has a bright future ahead of him for club and country.

Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento was something of an exception in Carsley’s England squad for the U21 Euros. The Newcastle United full back is already considered part of Tuchel’s senior squad and could have featured in last month’s games against Andorra and Senegal. However, the decision was made to give him some tournament experience this summer.

Livramento can play on either side of the defence. This versatility would be useful at the 2026 World Cup with England going through something of a generational transition at left back and right back. The 22-year-old is secure in possession and likes to get forward. His final product could sometimes be better, but the potential is obvious.

James McAtee

Manchester City’s academy is one of the most productive in the Premier League and James McAtee is the next young star off the conveyer belt at the Etihad Campus. McAtee has all the hallmarks of a City youth player – good on the ball, intelligent with his movement and versatile across the midfield and into the final third.

Much like Elliott, McAtee will return to his club with his future up in the air. Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are both reportedly interested in the 22-year-old who has received limited first team opportunities at Manchester City. Would the Etihad Stadium outfit be repeating their Cole Palmer mistake by letting McAtee leave before he has had a run in the lineup?

Ethan Nwaneri

18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri only came off the bench in the final triumph over Germany at the U21 Euros and was only a peripheral figure for Carsley’s side over the course of the tournament. Nonetheless, it would be remiss not to mention the Arsenal teenager as someone who could make their Three Lions breakthrough at some point in the future.

The 2026 World Cup might come too early for Nwaneri, but he has already demonstrated his ability for Arsenal, making 26 appearances (11 of them starts) in the Premier League last season. Nwaneri is an unusual player. He has the skill set to play as a winger, but can also operate in central midfield and even further forward in the attack.

On his current trajectory, it’s only a matter of time until Nwaneri is a regular member of the senior England team. He is versatile enough to play in a variety of positions. He is an exceptional dribbler and has shown his eye for goal, scoring nine times for the Gunners last term. Nwaneri is one of England’s brightest hopes for the future.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every England U21 game on FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Five England U21 Euro winners who could make the plane for the 2026 World Cup

England’s next generation is in good shape after Lee Carsley’s side went all the way at this summer’s U21 European Championships.

By Graham Ruthven

It took an extra time winner by Jonathan Rowe, but England got the better of Germany to win the U21 European Championships, highlighting the talent the Three Lions have coming through and a system that has already produced the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.

Thomas Tuchel already possesses one of the strongest and deepest squads in international football, but he could still dip into England’s triumphant U21 team for a player or two ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Here are five such players who look to have a bright future for the senior national team.

Elliot Anderson

It wasn’t so long ago that Elliot Anderson was called up by Scotland, even training with Steve Clarke’s side north of the border. Now, the Nottingham Forest midfielder is one of England’s brightest prospects for the future, shining for Lee Carsley’s side in the centre of the pitch at the U21 Euros.

Anderson was a creative force for Forest last season, registering six Premier League assists. He ranked behind only Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi for chances created over the whole campaign, also ranking highly for dribbles per 90 minutes (1.2). Anderson offers dynamism and directness.

Harvey Elliott

Handed the Player of the Tournament award, Harvey Elliott shone brighter than anyone else at the U21 Euros. The Liverpool player operated on the right side of England’s midfield four, but was afforded the freedom to drift inside where he could influence matches with his natural creativity and ability on the ball.

Elliott lacks the speed to play as an out-and-out winger, but his intelligent use of the ball and awareness of space makes him perfect for the modern game. Carsley made good use of Elliott’s skill set by funnelling a lot of England’s attacking play through the Liverpool midfielder at the U21 Euros. 

Despite his clear potential, Elliott has been strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer. The Premier League champions are reportedly open to selling the 22-year-old, but only for a fee of over £40m with a buy-back clause. Elliott scored in each of England’s three knockout games at the U21 Euros and has a bright future ahead of him for club and country.

Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento was something of an exception in Carsley’s England squad for the U21 Euros. The Newcastle United full back is already considered part of Tuchel’s senior squad and could have featured in last month’s games against Andorra and Senegal. However, the decision was made to give him some tournament experience this summer.

Livramento can play on either side of the defence. This versatility would be useful at the 2026 World Cup with England going through something of a generational transition at left back and right back. The 22-year-old is secure in possession and likes to get forward. His final product could sometimes be better, but the potential is obvious.

James McAtee

Manchester City’s academy is one of the most productive in the Premier League and James McAtee is the next young star off the conveyer belt at the Etihad Campus. McAtee has all the hallmarks of a City youth player – good on the ball, intelligent with his movement and versatile across the midfield and into the final third.

Much like Elliott, McAtee will return to his club with his future up in the air. Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are both reportedly interested in the 22-year-old who has received limited first team opportunities at Manchester City. Would the Etihad Stadium outfit be repeating their Cole Palmer mistake by letting McAtee leave before he has had a run in the lineup?

Ethan Nwaneri

18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri only came off the bench in the final triumph over Germany at the U21 Euros and was only a peripheral figure for Carsley’s side over the course of the tournament. Nonetheless, it would be remiss not to mention the Arsenal teenager as someone who could make their Three Lions breakthrough at some point in the future.

The 2026 World Cup might come too early for Nwaneri, but he has already demonstrated his ability for Arsenal, making 26 appearances (11 of them starts) in the Premier League last season. Nwaneri is an unusual player. He has the skill set to play as a winger, but can also operate in central midfield and even further forward in the attack.

On his current trajectory, it’s only a matter of time until Nwaneri is a regular member of the senior England team. He is versatile enough to play in a variety of positions. He is an exceptional dribbler and has shown his eye for goal, scoring nine times for the Gunners last term. Nwaneri is one of England’s brightest hopes for the future.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every England U21 game on FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.