The Whirlwind Careers of the England U21 Euros Starlets: Where Are They Now?
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since England’s U21 Euros triumph in Georgia. Coach Lee Carsley led his young side to European glory, and now, just over a year on from that historic victory, a number of those players have gone on to make huge strides in their careers. But how have they fared? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and examine the whirlwind careers of the England U21 Euro stars.
Goalkeepers
James Trafford, Manchester City’s former youth-team goalkeeper, signed for newly-promoted Burnley after the tournament. However, he struggled last season, was dropped from the starting lineup, and remained with the Clarets despite being relegated. Josh Griffiths, a West Brom alumni, has spent his career at the Hawthorns, with four loans away from the club to date. Carl Rushworth, a Brighton and Hove Albion player, has had loan spells away from the Seagulls, most recently at Championship side Hull City.
Defenders
Max Aarons, a midfielder-turned-right-back, now plays for Wolves after previously being linked with a £20 million move to Monaco. Jacob Ramsey, still at Aston Villa, spent last season out injured after a promising 2020/21 campaign. Tottenham academy graduate Oliver Skipp signed for Leicester City on a permanent deal worth £20 million this summer to gain more first-team exposure. Morgan Gibbs-White, a key player at Nottingham Forest, has captained the team and represented England at various youth levels.
Forwards
Cameron Archer, former Sheffield United loanee and Aston Villa player, found himself at Southampton after agreeing a permanent £15 million deal. The 23-year-old forward was involved in the final of Euro 2024, the first major international tournament his country has reached. Emile Smith Rowe, having struggled for playing time at Arsenal, joined Fulham this summer to revamp his career. Cole Palmer, a Chelsea star after a breakout 2023/24 campaign, could be the standout player among this group.
Keeping Up with the Squad’s Progress
With so much talent emerging from the previous U21 squad, many fans are eager to monitor their progress. Who has taken the biggest leap up the ranks? Who struggled to find their footing at their new clubs?
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