Reserves and Academy 2025-26

[Dante Lavelli]

Given we won the triple last year, we appear to be under-represented at England U21 and U17 levels.  Are these specific age groups missing our sweet spot(s) or is the bar higher for international recognition?

[paul_e]

Given we won the triple last year, we appear to be under-represented at England U21 and U17 levels.  Are these specific age groups missing our sweet spot(s) or is the bar higher for international recognition?

I think at least part of it is that certain teams get watched more and their players tend to get age group call ups easier. It changes at U21 but before that you often see big groups from a handful of clubs and then only truly exceptional players from elsewhere.

[Drummond]

The other thing is that a lot of our players are younger than their representative age group when playing for us so still have time.

[paul_e]

The other thing is that a lot of our players are younger than their representative age group when playing for us so still have time.

Absolutely, loads of the U21 squad are still young enough to play U18s.