Gareth Southgate has named his England U21 squad for the UEFA Under-21 Championships in the Czech Republic this summer, and a strong starting XI could be named.
Here’s our starting XI from Southgate’s squad, with names from Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and more.
Jack Butland (Stoke City)
England’s most experienced goalkeeper at U21 level, Butland has earned first team action on loan at Derby County, as well as at Stoke City – primarily in cup competitions.
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal – on loan at West Ham United)
A season on loan at West Ham has done Jenkinson wonders – Sam Allardyce’s football may be basic at times, but he does know how to organise a defence.
Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
Eric Dier has proven versatile enough to play both at right back and in central defence, but is most likely to feature in the heart of the back line.
John Stones (Everton)
The most promising young English defender, Stones has often outshone his more senior club colleagues Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin this season. Will be in the senior squad sooner rather than later.
Luke Garbutt (Everton)
Luke Garbutt looks heir apparent to Leighton Baines at Everton. He’s comfortable going forward, and has a superb delivery – both from open play and set pieces.
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