Leeds United youngster Archie Gray earns promotion to England Elite Squad
Leeds United youngster Archie Gray has been promoted to the England Elite Squad for their upcoming fixtures.
The 17-year-old had initially been named in the under-19s side, where he had been in line to add to his three caps over the next week or so.
But Jay Stansfield has been called up by the Under-21s, freeing up a gap in the Elite Squad – formerly known as the Under-20s – for Gray to take.
A statement on the England Football website on Wednesday morning (15 November) confirmed the news.
World at his feet
This announcement is yet more recognition for Gray’s superb breakthrough at Elland Road this season.
Gray only made his senior debut on the opening day of the Championship season in a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.
The teenager has now played 15 times for Leeds in the league – only Ethan Ampadu (16) has featured more often among outfield players.
All the more impressive is that Gray has moved between central midfield and right-back, where he has been asked to fill in in recent weeks.
It has come as little surprise that the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in him [90min].
Gray knows that he has the world at his feet in West Yorkshire, though, and hopefully he will stay put for a number of years to come.
For now, all his focus will be on helping England’s Elite Squad overcome Italy and Germany over the next week.
In other Leeds United news, a journalist says the Whites had no chance of keeping hold of another of their young talents.