England Names Jobe Bellingham in Under 21 European Championship Squad While Borussia Dortmund Pursues Transfer in Slovakia
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England Names Jobe Bellingham in Under 21 European Championship Squad While Borussia Dortmund Pursues Transfer in Slovakia

As the Under-21 European Championships approach, England is eager to hold onto one of their brightest young talents, Jobe Bellingham.

The Sunderland midfielder, who has been catching attention both on and off the pitch, is named in the 23-man squad preparing for the tournament starting next week in Slovakia.

But with transfer rumors swirling, there’s some uncertainty about whether he’ll be available for the competition.

Club World Cup Pulls Liam Delap Away From Squad

England’s coach Lee Carsley faces a bit of a selection headache already, having lost striker Liam Delap to Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.

Delap’s absence leaves a notable gap up front, especially since Birmingham City’s Jay Stansfield is currently the only recognized center forward in the squad.

Other players like Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson and Marseille’s Jonathan Rowe might fill in as “false nine” options if Carsley decides to shuffle the attack.

Dortmund’s Interest in Bellingham Adds Drama

Adding to the drama, Borussia Dortmund is reportedly closing in on signing Bellingham, who is valued around £25 million.

Sources say the German club feels confident about sealing the deal after Bellingham met with their sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, in Ibiza last week.

While there’s still a chance Dortmund could swoop in and pull him from the England squad to join their Club World Cup efforts, for now, Bellingham looks set to play a key role for the Young Lions at the Euros.

A Growing Role for Bellingham Despite Youth

Bellingham, just 19, only made his England Under-21 debut last November, but he’s quickly become essential for Carsley’s squad.

His presence brings creativity and energy in midfield, helping England defend their title at this important youth tournament.

Squad Faces Several Key Absences and Changes

England’s U21 squad has been hit by a number of absences beyond Delap’s.

Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens, who’s currently attracting attention from the same club, isn’t included.

Other notable names missing from the squad include Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, and recent regulars Adam Wharton, Jaden Philogene, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

However, Manchester City’s James McAtee remains in the mix.

England Kicks Off Title Defense Against Czech Republic

The Young Lions will open their campaign against the Czech Republic next Wednesday, with all matches airing live on Channel 4 across the UK.

Fans can expect an exciting tournament as England aims to defend their U21 European Championship crown.

Full England U21 Squad for the European Championships

  • Goalkeepers: James Beadle (Brighton), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea), Tommy Simkin (Stoke City)

  • Defenders: Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse), Ronnie Edwards (Southampton), CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Genoa), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)

  • Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton), James McAtee (Man City), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

  • Forwards: Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town), Sam Iling-Jr (Aston Villa), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Jonathan Rowe (Marseille), Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City)