Five England U-21 starlets who could feature at the 2026 World Cup

Thomas Tuchel’s first squad as England manager was notable for the experienced heads he selected but he will undoubtedly be well aware of the young talent that is coming through.

Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford are back in the fold, while Dan Burn has been given his first cap at the age of 32, but the call-up of young Myles Lewis-Skelly shows there will be a pathway for youngsters in the German’s Three Lions set-up, too.

After Lee Carsley named an Under-21s squad packed with talent, here are five current Young Lions who could catch Tuchel’s eye between now and the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

At just 17, Ethan Nwaneri has been promoted to England’s U21 squad, reflecting his rapid development and potential.

The Arsenal forward has delivered a a host of hugely impressive performances in the Premier League and Champions League this season, netting eight goals and providing one assist in 29 appearances.

His rapid rise has drawn comparisons to fellow Gunners academy graduate Bukayo Saka and though he and many others stand in Nwaneri’s way in the pecking order, his continued rise will make him hard to ignore.

Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)

Liam Delap has been a rare positive in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Ipswich in the Premier League this season. His physicality and finishing skills make him a valuable asset, and his performances have earned him a spot in the England U21 squad.

With current captain Harry Kane approaching 33 by the time the World Cup comes around, Delap could well be knocking on the door for a starting spot in North America.

📸 U21 #YoungLions trio Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Wharton and Liam Delap during #ThreeLions training this afternoon.

Good to have you with us, lads! 👊 pic.twitter.com/uCC17a6Y7P

— England (@England) March 18, 2025

Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

Elliott Anderson has been called up to the England U21 squad following his superb campaign for overachievers Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old midfielder is showing why boyhood club Newcastle were so reluctant to let him leave last summer, with his creativity and vision instrumental ito Forest’s brilliant campaign.

It seems only a matter of time before Anderson’s form gets international recognition, particularly with the prospect of Champions League football next season at the City Ground.

Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)

Following in the footsteps of his brother Jude, Jobe Bellingham has been making a name for himself in his own right at Sunderland.

His midfield versatility and tactical awareness sees him show maturity beyond his years during the Black Cats’ promotion, making him a potential candidate to join his brother on the plane next summer.

Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur)

Archie Gray has played in almost every position but his natural central midfield one since joining Tottenham from Leeds, making his standout performances all the more impressive.

Still just 19, could well emerge as a long-term answer to England’s supposed weakness in the midfield positions but he will eventually need a run of games there to convince Tuchel he is ready for the World Cup.