Injured Wharton misses out - but Delap, Bellingham and McAtee in U21 squad

Lee Carsley has named his squad for the U21 European Championship in Slovakia as the Young Lions look to retain their title.

It has been a challenging squad for Carsley to select and he will be without Liam Delap, who was set to be his main striker before his £30m move to Chelsea. The Blues are now taking him to the Club World Cup.

Carlsey also lost Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton to injury but there is a lot of quality in the midfield area with Tottenham's Archie Gray, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham all named.

Bellingham's participation had been questioned as he is the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund, who - like Chelsea - will also participate in the Club World Cup.

Manchester City's James McAtee was a late addition to the squad following the pullouts of Wharton, Dennis Cirkin and Dane Scarlett all with medical issues.

McAtee could have been part of the Manchester City squad at the Club World Cup too, but he is set to play an important role on Carsley's squad for the tournament.

There is no recognised left-back in the squad but Tino Livramento and Samuel Iling-Junior have both played there for Newcastle and Middlesbrough respectvely this season.

Carlsey did not play with a natural left-back for the majority of the tournament in 2023 and that did not stop them lifting the trophy.