Five young stars to watch ahead of England's U21 Euros semi-final

England are through to the semi-finals of the under-21 Euros after beating tournament favourites Spain 3-1.

They will now face the Netherlands on Wednesday 25 June for a spot in the final.

The Young Lions are defending champions and many in the squad have had impressive seasons playing for their Premier League clubs.

Let's take a look at some of the talented youngsters coming through the ranks and hoping to shine for England.

Who's your favourite England player? Who do you think will win the under-21 Euros tournament? Let us know in the comments below.

Ethan Nwaneri

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

Club: Arsenal

Gunners winger Ethan Nwaneri may only be 18 years old, but he's no newbie when it comes to the top flight of English football.

In 2022, he became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came on in the closing moments of Arsenal's match against Brentford, aged just 15 years and 181 days.

He's also played a big part in Arsenal's runners-up league campaign this season - scoring nine times in 37 appearances.

As a result, his achievements have been recognised by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

Nwaneri has been nominated for this season's Young Player of the Year award.

Harvey Elliott

Age: 22

Position: Midfielder

Club: Liverpool

Despite Elliott's young age, this is his second under-21 Euros tournament, having also played in the last European Championship in 2023, which England won.

The boyhood Liverpool fan, has impressed for the Reds since he signed for the north-west club in 2019, breaking into the senior team in the 2021/22 season.

He's also been an important player at international level.

Elliott was England's top scorer in qualifying for Euro 2025, netting seven goals.

He has started in all of England's matches so far and he's the only player in the squad to have scored in more than one match for the Young Lions so far this tournament.

James McAtee

Age: 22

Position: Midfielder

Club: Manchester City

James McAtee is England's under-21 captain.

The midfielder had the option to choose whether to play at the Euros or at the Club World Club with Man City which is currently taking place in the US.

He decided to play with the under-21 team, saying that he has "never had an [England] international tournament before".

His decision seems to have been a good one, as he had a huge impact in their quarter-final match.

McAtee scored England's opener after just 10 minutes and his hard work on the pitch paid off, as he picked up Player of the Match for his role in the win over Spain.

Archie Gray

Age: 19

Position: Midfielder

Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Archie Gray comes from a big footballing family.

Last year he made history, following in his dad Andy's footsteps to play in the Premier League..but it doesn't stop there.

His grandad Frank also played top flight football in England in the 1970s and 1980s, winning trophies with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.

And he's got competition too - as his 16-year-old younger brother Harry plays as a forward for newly-promoted Premier League club Leeds United.

Could the pair face each on the pitch other next season?

Elliot Anderson

Age: 22

Position: Midfielder

Club: Nottingham Forest

Elliot Anderson rounded off the scoring in England's quarter-final, converting from the penalty spot against Spain in the final moments of the game.

He has had an unbelievable breakthrough season at Nottingham Forest, after signing a five-year deal with the club last year.

He started 33 Premier League games this season, scoring twice and assisting six times.

Forest finished the season in seventh place, meaning Anderson and his teammates will be playing in next season's Uefa Conference League.

It'll be the first time the club will return to European football after a 30-year absence.