England head into the start of their European Championship Under-21s title defence with a squad littered with talent. While Thomas Tuchel's senior side laboured through June's matches against Andorra and Senegal with abject performances a year out from the start of the 2026 World Cup, Lee Carsley's Young Lions could provide potential stars and hope for that campaign. The under-21's boss was dealt the blow of losing two key figures on the even of Thursday's opener against the Czech Republic, with striker Liam Delap and midfielder Jobe Bellingham withdrawing from the squad following recent transfers. Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town, while Bellingham signed for Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland in big-money moves. Both will instead feature at the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States. Even without the pair, England's 23-man squad in Slovakia will have a total worth of around £428.2m. While Tuchel's men have more questions around them than answers, there is much more optimism for Carsley's talented youngsters. BBC Sport takes a closer look. Send us your questions The England Under-21 side of 2023 was a special one, but Carsley has challenged his new-look 2025 side to be even better. "It's difficult to compare [2023 and 2025] at the minute," he told BBC Sport in March. "We are looking at the last squad knowing what they did. To win six games and not concede any goals [in the entire tournament], I think that will be very hard to recreate. But it's a goal and it's a target. "That's the challenge we have put down for these players â we want them to be better than the last group, so hopefully they can be." Six players from the Euro 2023 winners' group were in the senior squad selected by Tuchel for this month's matches - Levi Colwill, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Curtis Jones, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke. Levi Colwill, Curtis Jones, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon were all named in Thomas Tuchel's first senior squad, with Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer also featuring in June's squad After signing for Borussia Dortmund since England's Under-21s squad was named, Jobe Bellingham was replaced by West Bromwich Albion's Tom Fellows The 2023 European Under-21 champions (23-man squad) stats at the start of that tournament: Games played in all competitions - 2,378 (average per player 103) Premier League appearances - 702 (average per player 31) Premier League starts - 430 (average per player 19) Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey had the most Premier League appearances with 91 The 2025 European Under-21 Championship squad stats at the start of the tournament: Games played in all competitions - 2,369 (average per player 103) Premier League appearances - 541 (average per player 24) Premier League starts - 292 (average per player 13) Liverpool's Harvey Elliott has the most Premier League appearances with 94 Following Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Senegal at the City Ground, Tuchel and his England side were booed off after the country's first ever defeat to an African nation in senior international football. Goals were an issue across the defeat to Senegal and the poor showing in Saturday's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra, scoring two across the games. But how do the two sides shape up as a whole, creatively? U21 squadâs 2024-25 stats (all comps): Goals - 77 Assists - 48 Total goal involvements - 125 (average per player: 5) Senior squadâs 2024-25 stats (all comps): Goals - 215 Assists - 167 Total goal involvements - 382 (average per player: 15) Midfielders in the U21 squad: 50 goal involvements An average of 6.25 per player West Brom's Tom Fellows has the highest (18) Midfielders in the senior squad: 147 goal involvements An average of 18.3 per player Morgan Rogers has the highest (29) *Including Ollie Watkins who withdrew from the senior squad due to injury According to the website Football Transfers' 'Estimated Transfer Value' algorithm, the current under-21 squad is valued at £428.2m, just over 50% higher than that of the group who won Euro 2023 (£280m at the start of that tournament). Champions League, Premier League and full international appearances, along with current contract status at club level, all contribute to the ETV rating that Football Transfers give - and it is different to the market value players may be sold and bought for. The worth of the current team is boosted by many playing prominent roles at big clubs in the Premier League and across Europe. For example, the top four players with the highest values all featured in European competitions this term - Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri (£63m), Tottenham's Archie Gray (£53.5m) and Liverpool's Harvey Elliott (£41.1m). Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento (£42.8m) and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson (£40.3m) also played major roles as their clubs sealed European football for next season. It's worth noting the overall value of the Euro 2023 team has risen hugely, going from £280m in 2023 to £626m in March 2025. Should this current squad see such a percentage increase, we will be looking at a set of young England players with a combined value of towards £1bn. This article is the latest from BBC Sport'sAsk Me Anythingteam. Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions. We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do. The team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits. We will be answering your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and going behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting events. Our coverage will span the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio. When does the summer transfer window reopen? Why are Chelsea in the Club World Cup, but not Liverpool? Why are Russia still playing international football despite ban? Who are Premier League clubs playing in pre-season?
A squad worth £428m - but how good are England Under-21s?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"England Under-21s Set to Defend European Championship Title with £428m Squad"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
As the England Under-21 team prepares to defend their European Championship title, they boast a squad valued at approximately £428.2 million, showcasing a wealth of talent that has generated optimism for the future. Despite recent setbacks, including the withdrawal of key players Liam Delap and Jobe Bellingham due to transfers to Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund respectively, the team's overall potential remains high. Coach Lee Carsley has emphasized the importance of building upon the success of the previous Under-21 squad, which achieved an impressive feat by winning the Euro 2023 title without conceding a single goal. He has set a challenging goal for the new squad, aiming for them to surpass the achievements of their predecessors, which is no small task given the historical performance of the 2023 team.
The current Under-21 squad is not only significantly more valuable than the Euro 2023 champions, whose estimated value was £280 million at the start of their tournament, but it also features numerous players who are already making their mark in major European leagues. This rise in value reflects the growing presence of these young talents in prominent club roles, contributing to their high market worth. Notable players like Ethan Nwaneri and Harvey Elliott have been highlighted for their performances in European competitions. The potential for the current squad's value to reach upwards of £1 billion is conceivable if they continue to develop and succeed at their clubs. With the Under-21 European Championship on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this talented group performs and whether they can live up to the high expectations set before them.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the promising talent within the England Under-21 squad as they prepare to defend their European Championship title. This narrative serves to build optimism around the team's potential, especially in contrast to the struggles of the senior team. By focusing on the value and potential of the young players, the article aims to foster a sense of hope and excitement among fans and stakeholders.
Purpose of the Article
The content appears designed to generate excitement and support for the England Under-21 team as they embark on their championship journey. It emphasizes the squad's talent and potential, likely intending to rally public interest and investment in youth football. The mention of player transfers and their significance also serves to highlight the growing market value of young athletes, suggesting a positive trajectory for the future of English football.
Public Perception
The article cultivates an optimistic perception of the England Under-21s, contrasting them with the senior team’s recent performances. This could be a strategic move to shift focus away from the senior team's challenges, redirecting public sentiment towards the youth squad's capabilities. By emphasizing the squad's high market value, it also subtly promotes a narrative of success and potential within English football.
Omissions and Concealments
While the article focuses on the squad's strengths, it may downplay any underlying issues, such as the pressure on young players or the high expectations from the fans. This selective focus could be a means to avoid discussing potential vulnerabilities or the consequences of high market valuations, such as increased scrutiny and pressure on the players.
Manipulative Elements
The article carries a moderate degree of manipulation, primarily through its selective emphasis on success and potential while glossing over challenges. The language used is uplifting and forward-looking, which can create a sense of artificial optimism. This approach might be aimed at keeping fans engaged and supportive, even amidst uncertainties.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other articles covering sports teams, this piece shares a common trend of highlighting young talent while minimizing critique of existing issues. It reflects a broader media strategy to bolster national pride in sports, particularly leading up to significant tournaments.
Impact on Society and Economy
The excitement generated by this article could have several societal implications, including increased attendance at matches and greater investment in youth programs. Economically, the focus on young talent can drive up player valuations and influence club investments, especially in the transfer market.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to football fans, particularly those invested in the future of English football and youth development. It may also resonate with stakeholders in sports, such as sponsors and clubs, who are interested in the commercial prospects of young talents.
Market Influence
This narrative could have implications for stock prices of clubs involved with the young players mentioned, as positive media coverage can enhance public perception and investor confidence. Clubs like Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund could see fluctuations in their market values based on the performance and potential of players like Delap and Bellingham.
Global Context
The article does not directly address broader global power dynamics but aligns with contemporary discussions about youth development in sports. This focus is relevant in a world increasingly emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent across various sectors.
Use of AI in Writing
While it is difficult to ascertain if AI was specifically used in crafting this article, certain stylistic choices could suggest algorithmic influence, especially in the way talent valuation is presented. AI models that analyze sports data might inform the language used to describe player worth and potential.
In conclusion, the article successfully establishes a narrative of hope and potential for the England Under-21 team while strategically omitting broader issues. The focus on talent and market value fosters an optimistic public perception, which could have lasting effects on societal engagement and the economic landscape of football.