England's young Lions did the job yet again as Lee Carsley's under-21s overcame a Germany comeback to lift the European Championships in extra-time. Goals from Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson gave England a 2-0 lead early on, but it was Jonathan Rowe who was the hero, coming off the bench to seal the win.
With Thomas Tuchel watching on, some of the players will be wondering whether or not their efforts over the last couple of weeks have been enough to have entered the thoughts of the senior boss, with the 2026 World Cup looming around the corner. And if any are to make it, these are the four with the best chances of doing so.
EPL_Tuchel's First England Squad Related
Thomas Tuchel's First England Squad - Ranked on 2026 World Cup Chances
England kickstarted life under Thomas Tuchel in fine fashion with wins over Albania and Latvia.
Harvey Elliott
Liverpool
Harvey Elliott
The absolute shining star of the tournament for the Three Lions. It wasn't the most memorable season at club level for Harvey Elliott. Despite Liverpool winning the Premier League, the 22-year-old struggled for regular minutes and certainly didn't get the same love from Arne Slot as he did from Jurgen Klopp.
On the international stage though, he proved his class. Five goals, including four in the knockout stages, proved that the former Fulham academy star is a young man for the big occasion. A move may be crucial to his development and his chances of making Thomas Tuchel's squad, with several Premier League clubs believed to be interested, but if his performances this summer are anything to go by, he can maybe start looking ahead to 2026 in North America.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauding Related
Not Elanga or Pedro: Newcastle Eyeing Move to Sign ‘Special’ £50m PL Forward
Eddie Howe is in the hunt for a new winger and one young Premier League star could be in his sights
Jarell Quansah
Liverpool
Jarell Quansah of Liverpool
Much of what was said about Elliott could be copied and pasted for Jarell Quansah. The young defender was on the brink of making it into Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad, but just missed out. What followed was a campaign that set his progression back considerably.
After a disasterclass in Arne Slot's first Premier League game against Ipswich, Quansah rarely found himself back in the starting XI. Opportunities would only arise when one of Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate needed resting, and he is now being shown the exit door as a move to Bayer Leverkusen is imminent.
Under Carsley though, Quansah has impressed and been a mainstay of England's backline throughout the tournament. Should he manage to get game time under his belt in Germany and perform at the same level, he could be in with a shout of Tuchel's squad, as the likes of Lewis Dunk, Harry Maguire and John Stones still have something to prove — form or fitness-wise — before getting in themselves.
Tino Livramento
Newcastle United
Tino Livramento at St James' Park ahead of a Newcastle United fixture
Having already had a taste of being in the senior set-up, Tino Livramento once again established his reasons to be considered in the conversation of full-backs Tuchel takes with him to the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is clear that the German coach wants to utilise Reece James on the right, but the Chelsea skipper has to prove his fitness. That being said, there is still an open spot on the left.
No one has truly nailed down a left-back/left wing-back spot in the team. If Luke Shaw can stay fit, he is always an option. Myles Lewis-Skelly may also be looked at. But Livramento's versatility on both flanks would surely aid his cause. Adept going forward and defensively, his attributes are the type of thing a manager would wish for at an international tournament.
Exclusive_Tino Livramento Related
Exclusive: Man City Plotting Bid for 'Unbelievable' Star, Think He Wants Move
Exclusive: Man City are plotting a bid for Newcastle star Tino Livramento despite the Magpies' 'not for sale' stance as they feel he is keen to join.
Jack Hinshelwood
Brighton
jack hinshelwood
Jack Hinshelwood is another potential option on the left-hand side of defence, though he probably has a more outside chance than the aforementioned Livramento. The Brighton youngster has been in and out of the team, as is expected of a young player, but with the under-21s he has looked more assured of himself.
He was also lethal in front of goal towards the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season, which may be an added bonus if Tuchel wants his defenders to get further forward and break the lines. There is still plenty more for Hinshelwood to do, but he may be a name to keep in mind.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 28/06/2025.