James McAtee has revealed he talks to one Chelsea star every day during England Under-21s Euros campaign.
While Manchester City are enjoying their fine start to the Club World Cup after already earning over £10m in prize money, young midfielder James McAtee is playing for England Under-21s in the European Championship.
The Young Lions are having a great tournament and will take on Germany in the final on Saturday after pulling off an upset to defeat Spain in the quarters and then edging past the Netherlands in the semis.
McAtee is enjoying a fine tournament as captain of the side and he scored the opening goal in the 3-1 victory over Spain.
While McAtee shines in Slovakia, his future at Manchester City remains up in the air as Pep Guardiola looks to reduce his squad in the transfer window.
Just like Jack Grealish, McAtee is expected to leave the club, though the young midfielder does have suitors queuing up to sign him, unlike the No.10.
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Amid the uncertainty, McAtee has revealed he talks to Chelsea star and former City teammate Liam Delap ‘every day.’
James McAtee and Liam Delap during England U21s vs Portugal.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
James McAtee talks with former Man City star Liam Delap a lot
Speaking in a press conference ahead of England’s crucial final, McAtee explained how the likes of Delap and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, another City academy graduate, have been sending messages of support to the team.
He said: “I speak to Liam every day and he’s happy for us.
“We’re all happy for him, he’s doing well. I’ve had a couple of messages from Taylor, so the lads back home are rooting for us and happy for us that we got here.”
James McAtee does not regret playing in U21 Euros
Delap sealed a £30m move to Chelsea from relegated Ipswich Town this summer and is playing for his new side in the Club World Cup.
Delap was expected to join Lee Carsley’s squad before making the transfer but decided to play in the newly expanded tournament instead.
McAtee, though, was left out of the City’s squad that travelled to the States and was allowed to play for his country instead.
With Grealish also not included, it’s been taken as a sign that McAtee’s time at City is over but the playmaker has no regrets.
“It’s a tough one to answer but I don’t regret my decision at all,” he said.
“I’m happy I’m here and my focus is now tomorrow, it’s not on the Club World Cup.
“This would be a special occasion for me. I’m so excited to play tomorrow. It’ll be a big achievement for me and my family.
“Some of the lads have played in some big games and I’ve not sensed any nerves, but I’m sure by tomorrow there will be some. Hopefully, the lads do get it, so it means something to them.”