England Men’s U21 head coach Lee Carsley has named four players from Everton and Liverpool in his latest squad – and heaped praise on his “mature” young England stars.

The young Lions boss has made three changes to his squad for November’s UEFA U21 Euro qualifiers, with games away in Serbia and home to Northern Ireland at Everton’s Goodison Park.

And Carsley has included four players from Everton and Liverpool, with established Everton defender Jarrad Brathwaite remaining in the squad.

Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot will link up team-mates Jarell Quansah and on-loan Tyler Morton, who is handed his first call-up to the England U21s, which sees Burnley’s Aaron Ramsey miss out.

On the Liverpool trio, Carsley said: “It’s a difficult squad to get into and stay in, but those three players all deserve their place.”

Goalkeeper Sam Tickle replaces James Beadle in the squad.

Manchester City’s Josh Wilson-Esbrand joins a strong list of defenders who will be without their captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis because of injury.

England are in second place in the current U21s Euro qualifier standings, winning two and losing out to Ukraine, who top Group F.

But they are the group’s top goal scorers with 14 goals in three games.

And Carsley’s side will look to continue their dominance up front with the likes of Noni Madueke, Liam Delap and Cole Palmer.

After winning the U21 2023 European Championships with England, Palmer signed for Chelsea for a hefty fee.

However, Carsley was not surprised by his successful start at the London club.

He added: “No one has ever doubted Cole’s ability or mentality, how he copes with success and the move. He takes it in his stride. He’s a top player.”

England U21s will face Serbia in Backa Topola on Saturday, 18 November.

Carsley, who played 166 times for Everton between 2002 and 2008, will return to Goodison Park, where his side will host Northern Ireland.

The U21 boss is looking forward to his return.

He said: “I think you always associate the best part of your career in terms of your form and experiences, and Everton is a club that I care a lot about.”

The game will be under the lights on Tuesday, 21st October (7.45 pm GMT) at Goodison Park.

(pic by Alamy under paid for licence)

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