It remains to be seen what the long term future holds for James McAtee. The creative midfielder, a long-time Leeds United transfer target, has no regrets over choosing to play for his country rather than his club this summer.
McAtee could have enhanced his burgeoning reputation by playing for Manchester City in the Club World Cup in the United States. But after speaking to City boss Pep Guardiola and his staff, McAtee felt he would be better off getting more game time with England's Under-21s in the European Championships.
His decision has paid off, with McAtee impressing in England's run to the final. The Young Lions’ midweek victory over the Netherlands put them within one match of retaining their crown in Slovakia. They take on Germany in Bratislava this evening.
Salford-born McAtee, given the captain's armband by England U21s boss Lee Carsley, said: "I don’t regret my decision at all (to play for England). I’m happy I’m here and my focus is here and not on the Club World Cup."
His comments suggest he could be on the move this summer. McAtee struggled to force his way into Guardiola's starting XI last term and City have further increased their attacking options in the summer transfer window by signing Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders.
McAtee will not be short on offers if he leaves the Etihad Stadium. A whole host of Premier League clubs and Bundesliga teams have expressed varying degrees of interest in the forward, who can operate out wide or in the No 10 position.
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