Which England U21 stars could break into senior team for 2026 World Cup? | OneFootball

England Under-21 retained their European Championship title with a 3-2 extra time win over Germany on Saturday.

The Young Lions, led by Lee Carsley, defeated the Germans in the final in Slovakia despite missing a host of squad regulars who went to play at the Club World Cup.

However, this tournament represented the last chance for a lot of these players to play for their country at this level, with only senior call-ups up for grabs now. Plenty of this squad has impressed throughout the competition and should be on Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel’s radar come the next international break.

HaytersTV examines who from this Euros winning squad could be in with a chance of making the 2026 World Cup…

Harvey Elliott

Arguably England’s player of the tournament, Elliott has put himself into the shop window amid uncertainty over his Liverpool future. The 22-year-old scored in the group stage, quarter-final, semi-final and final, and has stepped up for Carsley’s side, with his performances making it harder for Thomas Tuchel to ignore him come the next international window. A move away from the Premier League champions may aid Elliott in his hunt for a senior cap.

Ethan Nwaneri

The youngest player in the Under-21 team, but probably the one with the most potential. It has not been that long since Nwaneri turned 18, and with the ability to play for the Young Lions until he is 23-year-old, he has time on his side. But his talent is unquestionable, and despite a bit part tournament, he still showed his quality and versatility, something that will be crucial in his development. If Nwaneri can continue to improve then you cannot rule out a late run for a place in the senior side.

Jarell Quansah

One of the Young Lions who have had a taste of senior England football, Quansah was included in areth Southgate’s pre-Euro 2024 provisional squad, and was then included by Carsley during his interim period in charge of the Three Lions. His inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad was a surprise, but the 22-year-old has shown maturity beyond his age, and with a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen almost confirmed, the 2025/26 season will be a huge on for the defender.

Tino Livramento

Livramento is another Young Lion who has had the opportunity to play for the senior side. The 22-year-old got his one senior cap under Carsley in November 2024, and is known for his versatility, having played at both left and right-back for Newcastle this season. Livramento had a good tournament, picking up one assist in the process, and has been linked with a move to Manchester City.

James McAtee

Young Lions captain McAtee finally had a breakthrough season at Manchester City, scoring three times in 15 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men. The 22-year-old excelled in Slovakia, scoring one and assisting twice, including in the final, and led Carsley’s side from the front, but his future is uncertain with reports he could leave Etihad Stadium this summer. With an influx of new signings, McAtee’s senior England hopes may require him to leave his boyhood club.

Elliot Anderson

Anderson had a breakthrough season at Nottingham Forest, as he helped Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to qualify for European football. The 22-year-old scored against Spain in the quarter-final, but throughout the season his close control dribbling and superb range of passing made him undroppable at Forest. The £40m Santo’s side spent on the midfielder is looking like money well spent and he should definitely be on Tuchel’s radar for future international windows.