Charlie Cresswell named in England U21 squad despite Leeds United absence
Charlie Cresswell has been named in the England Under-21 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Serbia and Northern Ireland despite an absence from Leeds United.
This comes shortly following Daniel Farke’s revelation that the defender has been absent from training for personal reasons in the week and therefore may not be available for the clash with Plymouth. [BBC, 9 November]
Farke did not provide any further clarity on what Cresswell’s personal issues were, and speculation will begin, but his inclusion in the England U21 squad is a hint that it is, hopefully, nothing too serious.
Giving him much-needed minutes
In recent weeks, international duty with England U21s has been Creswell’s primary source of regular football. He is not being selected at Leeds and doesn’t even make the bench with everybody fit, but these games are a good way to keep him sharp.
He has not been featured in a matchday squad under Farke since 7 October where he remained on the bench against Bristol City, and in that time he featured in two England U21 games against Serbia and Ukraine and has now been called up again.
In fact, his last three starts of any kind in all competitions have come for his country, and his continued dismissal at Leeds may see him search for a new club in the January transfer window, be it on loan or a more permanent solution.
With a big decision to make in January, his recent exclusion from the squad has made that decision easier, and he could now push for a move, at least on loan, when the transfer window rolls back around.
In other Leeds United news, a permanent transfer for a £50m-rated star is now on the cards.