Monday, December 23, 2024

England’s Euro 2024 squad: The strong influence of EFL clubs

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We have focused on England’s likely starting XI, but plenty of the substitutes have EFL grounding too.

Aaron Ramsdale featured in all three divisions and was relegated from League Two during his first spell with Chesterfield.

Ivan Toney has by far the most EFL experience, having played for Northampton, Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Scunthorpe, Wigan and Peterborough and current club Brentford.

Ollie Watkins is not far behind on games, having started off at Exeter before spending several seasons in the Championship with Brentford.

Jarrod Bowen began in non-league with Hereford before a few years in the Championship with Hull.

Crystal Palace signed Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze from second-tier Blackburn and QPR respectively.

Lewis Dunk’s long career with Brighton started in League One, while Charlton brought through Joe Gomez, now of Liverpool.

Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher and Dean Henderson had loan spells in the EFL early in their careers.

Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luke Shaw have never played in the EFL, while Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have not played for a lower-league team but featured in the EFL Trophy for Premier League Under-21 sides.

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