In The Mixer: Which Young Lions can make the step up?

In The Mixer is FST’s weekly column where we catch up with our team of football betting experts and get their opinion on the hot topic of the week.

The England Under 21 side successfully defended their European U21 title this summer and we asked our team of experts which members of that squad may be able to force their way into the senior set-up for next summer’s World Cup.

Read on to see which members of the Young Lions squad our experts think could be making the trip to Canada, the USA and Mexico next year.

Joe Casey

The obvious answer is Tino Livramento, who has already become one of Newcastle’s most reliable players and could play on either side of the defence for the England senior team.

Kyle Walker is not getting any younger, Reece James and Luke Shaw have been ravaged by injuries so aside from Trent Alexander-Arnold and perhaps Myles Lewis-Skelly, there aren’t many full backs who look guaranteed a spot.

Livramento’s quality on both sides means that he would be perfect cover, if he has not already staked a serious claim to start for the Three Lions by next summer.

Elliot Anderson is another that looks ready to make the step up, his intensity off the ball and composure on it was key to Nottingham Forest’s success last season and he looks a big runner to make the World Cup squad.

Rob Eddy

While I wouldn’t necessarily rule out forward players right now, competition for places on the face of it is more fierce and defenders might be most likely.

Jarell Quansah has already made one Thomas Tuchel squad and regular game-time next season should give him the opportunity to press his claims further, while Charlie Cresswell has benefitted from top-level exposure and has chances in an area where England are not as strong as they once were.

However, as others have suggested, Tino Livramento – another who has made a Tuchel squad – is the most likely for me given both his talent and versatility, and a good season in the Champions League can cement his inclusion.

Gareth Freeman

James McAtee and Harvey Elliott both had good tournaments and have the talent to do a job for the senior side, but they probably face a bit too much competition to force their way into the picture ahead of next summer.

In terms of who has a potential route into Thomas Tuchel’s side, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento should have a chance. Kyle Walker and Reece James both made the last England squad and they could easily be displaced if Livramento has another strong season next term.

Tom Hill

England boss Thomas Tuchel needs some strength in depth in defence and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento looks like he has every chance of making the squad in 2026. Livramento made 37 appearances for Newcastle last season in the Premier League and helped them secure a place in the Champions League.

While he would prefer to play right-back, and he has every chance, considering Kyle Walker is now 35, he can also fill in at left-back. Both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell have been unable to stay fit in recent seasons, meaning Myles Lewis-Skelly, Lewis Hall and Livramento could fight it out to start at left-back next summer.

Livramento’s ability to stay fit is a huge bonus and he offers Tuchel a utility option ahead of his first major tournament as England coach.

Aaron Rogan

Jarell Quansah’s proposed move to Bayer Leverkusen stands him in good stead ahead of next summer’s finals. Having struggled to stay in the Liverpool team, Quansah has the chance to make himself a mainstay in a Champions League side. Playing on the continent didn’t help players during Gareth Southgate’s reign, but playing in Thomas Tuchel’s homeland could boost Quansah’s chances even further.

Alex Wrigley

Competition is fierce in the attacking positions for England, but Harvey Elliott will have done his chances of stepping up to the senior team no harm with yet another game-changing performance in the final against Germany U21.

He scored five goals in six appearances for England U21 and was named Player of the Tournament in Slovakia. He has a decision regarding his future at Liverpool awaiting him when he returns to the club, but a move to another Premier League side or a breakthrough in Arne Slot’s team could see Thomas Tuchel give him a chance in the build-up to next summer’s World Cup.