Spurs under 21, under 18 Leagues and other youth news

[IGSpur]

Hey IGSpur, thanks for your ratings, much appreciated. Someone else posted that Carroll and Barkley were the best players on the pitch by far, would you say that's fairly accurate?

I'm kind of curious since Carroll has started in our team and played pretty well (imo) at senior level, whether other players in our youth teams look like they are on his level yet.

Very much agree with what DEFchenckOE said. In the first half we totally dominated. Their goal was their only shot from open play I remember in the first half and it came with the last kick. I noticed Barkley maybe because I was looking out for him, but tbf he did get himself about, but our midfielders were totally dominating. TC while he played well he didnt stand out out necessarily amongst our players, as they were all playing to a good standard, but he did seem quite influential. Pointing where players should go, telling people to come forward etc. Second half thought they game into it and Barkley was probably playing as good as our midfield three. Their level had dropped quite a bit. Prob due to a change of tactics from Everton boss so fair play. We essemtially matches them shot for shot 2nd half very end to end. Could have gone either way which is why I gave Archer such a high rating for keeping us in.

Didnt see much of their striker he put the ball away nicely right infront of me first half, but the majority of their chances came second half and they were shooting away from me so couldnt see him.

Also was sitting next to a Norwegian Spurs fan. He had been to our Nextgen v Barca, and the match at Underhill v Arsenal. Knew a lot about our youth. Made jokes about how they are making it hard and it being typical of us. Good to see our fans from abroad esp when they take such interest in our youth COYS.

 

[IGSpur]

Why doesn't someone start an online petition to get Spurs TV to start showing our U21 matches?

I tweeted them yesterday moaning about a lack of coverage when I didnt think I was going. They need to stepup. id sign

 

[Spursidol]

OS, complete report

U21S 3-2 EVERTON - LATE OBIKA STRIKE BOOKS FINAL DATE!

Posted 13 May 2013 9:35pm
Jon Obika headed a dramatic late winner against Everton to send our Under-21s into the Barclays U21 Premier League Final.
The striker launched himself to meet Cristian Ceballos' cross in the 89th minute of a thrilling play-off semi-final at White Hart Lane.
It means the lads, who won both National Group Two and Elite Group in the first two phases of the new competition, will get the chance to win the overall title against either Manchester United or Liverpool, who play on Tuesday night.

The final was drawn as an away match for us and the date is to be confirmed.

Obika joined Tom Carroll, Alex Pritchard and Jordan Archer in the starting line-up, while the Toffees fielded experienced goalkeeper Jan Mucha and Ross Barkley, who has earned rave reviews in the first team of late.

Once again backed by superb support, we started brightly and after Obika was blocked 50-50 by Mucha from Nabil Bentaleb's pass, we opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

Carroll looked for Pritchard over the top, John Stokes read it and looked to nod back to Mucha but didn't get enough on the header and Pritchard was able to nip in and stroke home.
Archer made a sharp save to his left to deny McAleny and Mucha was soon in action again, this time low down to his left to turn away Obika's drive after the striker had been sent clear by Milos Veljkovic.
Luke Garbutt curled a free-kick just wide on 29 minutes and the Toffees levelled in the final seconds of the first half as Stokes whipped in a low cross and McAleny turned on a sixpence to fire low into the corner from 12 yards.

The teams exchanged goals at the start of the second half - with Stokes involved again at both again.

First of all, the right-back lost possession to Obika on the edge of the Everton box and Obika made no mistake, steadying himself before tucking into the corner.

But the lead lasted just two minutes. Stokes was there again, his cross from the right collected by Chris Long, who controlled and hooked the ball over his head, over Archer and into the far corner.

The goal clearly buoyed the visitors and they enjoyed their best spell. Archer did well to touch the ball wide after Garbutt's cross was deflected on target by Ceballos on 56 minutes, Shane Duffy headed Barkley's corner wide and then Long struck the foot of the post from the right angle.

We were soon on the front foot again as Mucha somehow denied Obika, who slid in to meet substitute Kenny McEvoy's cross. Obika was a matter of yards out on connection but Mucha diverted the ball away, it might have even hit him on the head!

Back came Everton and Barkley met Garbutt's cross, only to head inches wide, 79 minutes on the clock.

Obika stretched to reach McEvoy's cross but couldn't keep it on target but he made no mistake in the final minute, stooping low to meet Ceballos' cross and guiding the ball into the corner.

Typical of the match, Everton carved out a final chance to equalise in added time, but Archer was up to the task, diving spectacularly to turn away Long's flick towards the goal from the near post.

Spurs U21s (4-3-3): Archer; Fredericks (Barthram, 56), Hall, Stewart, Fryers; Bentaleb (Gallifuoco, 90), Carroll, Veljkovic; Pritchard (McEvoy, 76), Obika, Ceballos. Unused subs: Miles, Nicholson.

Everton (4-2-3-1): Mucha; Stokes, Duffy, Browning, Garbutt; Lundstram, Grant (Waring, 90); Long, Barkley, Kennedy (Duffus, 18); McAleny. Unused subs: Springthorpe, Duffus, Green, Pennington

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Thanks for this. Would you be able to write a couple of llines on individual players you can recall and/or a rating ?

ok will try from what I remember:

Archer 8 - Couldn't do anything about either of their goals, made some good saves and showed decent handling at crosses, never fumbled anything. Probably needs to distribute the ball a bit quicker, the coach, Ramsey, seemed to be getting a bit frustrated with him when he caught the ball as he wasn't releasing it quickly so we couldn't counter. Kept hearing Ramsey shput out "play, play.." when he was taking a bit of time.

Fryers 7 - They didn't really have much of a threat from right wing so he didn't have too much to do defensively but what he did have to do he done well. Good control and tried to support the attack when he could but never really got into any dangerous positions in the attacking 3rd to make a direct impact. Pritchard was not offering much cover defensively though so that could be one reason for that.

CB's - I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention to our centre backs, but they won most of their aerial challenges and didn't make any obvious errors.

Fredericks 6 - Did ok, came off injured. Their left back got forward quite well and was putting in some good crosses so he had a little trouble from that point of view. Not sure about him tbh.

Veljkovic 8 - Sat in front of the back 4 and did well imo. Good size physically, comfortable on the ball with either foot. Think this guy has the attributes to make it at a decent level, maybe with us if he performs like this consistently. Definitely seems to understand that holding role in the middle of the midfield 3 and has good attributes for it.

Carroll 8 - Usual Carroll performance for what we've seen of him in the EL and late in games in the EPL. Gets on the ball, makes intelligent passes short and long, spreads the play. Range was a little off 2nd half as he overhit a few but overall a good game. Was wearing the no10 shirt and you always have confidence when he's on the ball that he will find a Spurs player. He was the one that played the ball over the top towards Pritchard that the Everton defender couldn't deal with which led to our first goal.

Bentalab 7 - I like the way this guy plays, seems a bit slight in frame but add something different to the midfield 3 as he can dribble quite well but also has a good short passing game so he fits in well.

Pritchard 7 - Gets an extra point for scoring but didn't have the best of games, was a bit quiet and seemed a bit frustrated at times. Still got high hopes for him though, but maybe the Peterborough loan plus recent injuries were why he wasn't at his best. Still clinical in front of goal though, never looked like missing when the chance fell to him.

Ceballos 7.5 - On the ball, there is no doubting this kids ability. When he gets one on one with a defender, 8 times out of 10 he will beat him. You know there is just something about left footed players that look like they have something special on the ball, he's no different. Had a couple of wayward shots first half on his left, and in the 2nd while on the right wing cut inside nicely before dipping back onto his right but his right-footed effort was high and wide. Was swapping wings with Pritchard throughout the game but stayed on the left when Mcevoy came on and that's where he created the winning goal after crossing for Obika. Negatives are he goes down so easy, definitely Spanish. Also holds onto the ball a bit too much sometimes but I don't really have a problem with this. He's got confidence in his ability and usually does make something happen.

Obika 8 - Was a good focal point for the team, strong on the ball and won some headers. Just needs to be more clinical if he's going to make it at the top level. In this game he had at least 5 chances, good chances, and scored 2. At the top level maybe he will get 2 chances like what he got in that game. So the challenge for him is to become more clinical. He needs consistent first team football at championship level to see what he can do. Not sure how old he is now.

Subs

Barthram 8 - Very good sub appearence when Everton were coming into the game, didn't get beaten once and put in some strong challenges. Gonna be tough for him to make it though. We have so much competition at right back, I was impressed though.

Mcevoy 7 - Plays like Lennon when on the ball but can actually cross. If anything think Keith Gillespie in his prime at Newcastle, that's who he reminds me of when I watch him play.

 

[Spursidol]

ok will try from what I remember:

Archer 8 - Couldn't do anything about either of their goals, made some good saves and showed decent handling at crosses, never fumbled anything. Probably needs to distribute the ball a bit quicker, the coach, Ramsey, seemed to be getting a bit frustrated with him when he caught the ball as he wasn't releasing it quickly so we couldn't counter. Kept hearing Ramsey shput out "play, play.." when he was taking a bit of time.

Fryers 7 - They didn't really have much of a threat from right wing so he didn't have too much to do defensively but what he did have to do he done well. Good control and tried to support the attack when he could but never really got into any dangerous positions in the attacking 3rd to make a direct impact. Pritchard was not offering much cover defensively though so that could be one reason for that.

CB's - I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention to our centre backs, but they won most of their aerial challenges and didn't make any obvious errors.

Fredericks 6 - Did ok, came off injured. Their left back got forward quite well and was putting in some good crosses so he had a little trouble from that point of view. Not sure about him tbh.

Veljkovic 8 - Sat in front of the back 4 and did well imo. Good size physically, comfortable on the ball with either foot. Think this guy has the attributes to make it at a decent level, maybe with us if he performs like this consistently. Definitely seems to understand that holding role in the middle of the midfield 3 and has good attributes for it.

Carroll 8 - Usual Carroll performance for what we've seen of him in the EL and late in games in the EPL. Gets on the ball, makes intelligent passes short and long, spreads the play. Range was a little off 2nd half as he overhit a few but overall a good game. Was wearing the no10 shirt and you always have confidence when he's on the ball that he will find a Spurs player. He was the one that played the ball over the top towards Pritchard that the Everton defender couldn't deal with which led to our first goal.

Bentalab 7 - I like the way this guy plays, seems a bit slight in frame but add something different to the midfield 3 as he can dribble quite well but also has a good short passing game so he fits in well.

Pritchard 7 - Gets an extra point for scoring but didn't have the best of games, was a bit quiet and seemed a bit frustrated at times. Still got high hopes for him though, but maybe the Peterborough loan plus recent injuries were why he wasn't at his best. Still clinical in front of goal though, never looked like missing when the chance fell to him.

Ceballos 7.5 - On the ball, there is no doubting this kids ability. When he gets one on one with a defender, 8 times out of 10 he will beat him. You know there is just something about left footed players that look like they have something special on the ball, he's no different. Had a couple of wayward shots first half on his left, and in the 2nd while on the right wing cut inside nicely before dipping back onto his right but his right-footed effort was high and wide. Was swapping wings with Pritchard throughout the game but stayed on the left when Mcevoy came on and that's where he created the winning goal after crossing for Obika. Negatives are he goes down so easy, definitely Spanish. Also holds onto the ball a bit too much sometimes but I don't really have a problem with this. He's got confidence in his ability and usually does make something happen.

Obika 8 - Was a good focal point for the team, strong on the ball and won some headers. Just needs to be more clinical if he's going to make it at the top level. In this game he had at least 5 chances, good chances, and scored 2. At the top level maybe he will get 2 chances like what he got in that game. So the challenge for him is to become more clinical. He needs consistent first team football at championship level to see what he can do. Not sure how old he is now.

Subs

Barthram 8 - Very good sub appearence when Everton were coming into the game, didn't get beaten once and put in some strong challenges. Gonna be tough for him to make it though. We have so much competition at right back, I was impressed though.

Mcevoy 7 - Plays like Lennon when on the ball but can actually cross. If anything think Keith Gillespie in his prime at Newcastle, that's who he reminds me of when I watch him play.

Great analysis Thanks

Obika is 22, going on 23. Seems to be playing better this season than ever before - think that was his 21st and 22nd goals for Spurs u 21's and Spurs X1 thia season plus a couple for Charlton. Amazing turnround from the last couple of seasons

 

[JJetset]

I hear from the top today that Carrol was outstanding last night!

 

[bilburger]

ok will try from what I remember:

Archer 8 - Couldn't do anything about either of their goals, made some good saves and showed decent handling at crosses, never fumbled anything. Probably needs to distribute the ball a bit quicker, the coach, Ramsey, seemed to be getting a bit frustrated with him when he caught the ball as he wasn't releasing it quickly so we couldn't counter. Kept hearing Ramsey shput out "play, play.." when he was taking a bit of time.

Fryers 7 - They didn't really have much of a threat from right wing so he didn't have too much to do defensively but what he did have to do he done well. Good control and tried to support the attack when he could but never really got into any dangerous positions in the attacking 3rd to make a direct impact. Pritchard was not offering much cover defensively though so that could be one reason for that.

CB's - I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention to our centre backs, but they won most of their aerial challenges and didn't make any obvious errors.

Fredericks 6 - Did ok, came off injured. Their left back got forward quite well and was putting in some good crosses so he had a little trouble from that point of view. Not sure about him tbh.

Veljkovic 8 - Sat in front of the back 4 and did well imo. Good size physically, comfortable on the ball with either foot. Think this guy has the attributes to make it at a decent level, maybe with us if he performs like this consistently. Definitely seems to understand that holding role in the middle of the midfield 3 and has good attributes for it.

Carroll 8 - Usual Carroll performance for what we've seen of him in the EL and late in games in the EPL. Gets on the ball, makes intelligent passes short and long, spreads the play. Range was a little off 2nd half as he overhit a few but overall a good game. Was wearing the no10 shirt and you always have confidence when he's on the ball that he will find a Spurs player. He was the one that played the ball over the top towards Pritchard that the Everton defender couldn't deal with which led to our first goal.

Bentalab 7 - I like the way this guy plays, seems a bit slight in frame but add something different to the midfield 3 as he can dribble quite well but also has a good short passing game so he fits in well.

Pritchard 7 - Gets an extra point for scoring but didn't have the best of games, was a bit quiet and seemed a bit frustrated at times. Still got high hopes for him though, but maybe the Peterborough loan plus recent injuries were why he wasn't at his best. Still clinical in front of goal though, never looked like missing when the chance fell to him.

Ceballos 7.5 - On the ball, there is no doubting this kids ability. When he gets one on one with a defender, 8 times out of 10 he will beat him. You know there is just something about left footed players that look like they have something special on the ball, he's no different. Had a couple of wayward shots first half on his left, and in the 2nd while on the right wing cut inside nicely before dipping back onto his right but his right-footed effort was high and wide. Was swapping wings with Pritchard throughout the game but stayed on the left when Mcevoy came on and that's where he created the winning goal after crossing for Obika. Negatives are he goes down so easy, definitely Spanish. Also holds onto the ball a bit too much sometimes but I don't really have a problem with this. He's got confidence in his ability and usually does make something happen.

Obika 8 - Was a good focal point for the team, strong on the ball and won some headers. Just needs to be more clinical if he's going to make it at the top level. In this game he had at least 5 chances, good chances, and scored 2. At the top level maybe he will get 2 chances like what he got in that game. So the challenge for him is to become more clinical. He needs consistent first team football at championship level to see what he can do. Not sure how old he is now.

Subs

Barthram 8 - Very good sub appearence when Everton were coming into the game, didn't get beaten once and put in some strong challenges. Gonna be tough for him to make it though. We have so much competition at right back, I was impressed though.

Mcevoy 7 - Plays like Lennon when on the ball but can actually cross. If anything think Keith Gillespie in his prime at Newcastle, that's who he reminds me of when I watch him play.

I'd agree with all of this, but think your rating of Pritchard is generous. I was very disappointed in him. Yes, his goal was well taken, but it was an opportunistic finish after a dreadful cock up by their right back. Pritchard didn't do anything to suggest he's even remotely close to being a first team player. Very underwhelming. Probably the least impressive Spurs player on the night.

Tom Carroll is clearly at a higher level than the rest. Very classy and confidant. He appears to have modelled his game on Modric; we can only hope he gets near that level. Bentelab also stood out, though he's more a box-to-box type player. The closest comparison I can make is Jenas. Zeki Fryers looks a bit chubby to me! He doesn't appear quick enough for a full back. He was decent enough, not outstanding. I just don't see how he fits. Certainly doesn't look as though he was worth the complex transfer gerrymandering. I'm not very good at judging 'keepers, but Archer looks the part. He's rated by the club and I can see why. Barthram was the best fullback on the pitch. Really energetic. Tottenham's specialist area of player development seems to be the right back position. It's going to be hard for him to break through, especially as he's so short.

A fun evening. Thought the 1882 crew were a credit to the club. They sang for ninety minutes. Brilliant support.

NB John Stones, the Everton right back, cost three million in January. The majority of out attacking play was directed at him and his mistakes directly led to two goals. He was clearly the weak link in an otherwise pretty decent Everton team. Goes to show the perils of investing in potential. It's very easy to get it wrong.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Didn't realise their right back cost £3m!!! Wow, that's crazy. But then how much did we pay for Bostock and Parrett.

Their rb did provide the cross for Evertons first goal though didn't he? Was down the other end so I couldn't see properly.

 

[ShelfSide18]

I toddled off to the Lane last night and I'll put down some thoughts...

First thing first top marks to the 1882 movement, they sung from the first minute 'til the end. I wish first team games were like this.

To the game it was really entertaining watch, both teams set out in 4-3-3s and both teams out to play football although with differing styles, we sought to dominate the game and Everton looked to counter quickly. The first half was ours, we kept the ball really well, pressed them high up when out of possession and not in a headless chicken type way, but controlled and coordinated. We created some good openings, looking to play through the opposition, and when we go wide it's not just to brainlessly lump it in to the box and look for the percentages, we try to get in behind and find a telling last pass across the face of the goal. It's also noticeable how we can be quite tippy tappy when playing out in the defensive/middle third and we are entirely comfortable in doing this, but as soon as we work the ball to a player with space in the final third we then turn the screw quite quickly with quick, direct, incisive passes - although that final ball wan't quite there last night as it has been when I've seen us before. Our goal was a mistake that Pritch calmly profited from, theirs was a lovely worked goal and finish but well against the run of play.

The second half our performance level dropped a bit and Everton carved out plenty of chances on the break, we still had most of the ball but not quite with the same almost serene control of the game we had in the first half, but we still created chances and the subs we made with McKevoy (there's only 2 Gareth Bale's) and Barthram added some real forward thrust down the right flank. Our second was another defensive error from Everton, but came about by good pressing from the forward line and Obika robbed their defender and slotted home, the winner was some lovely wingplay by Ceballos who put in one of those delicious low crosses that I'm used to Defoe standing and watching, but this time Obika was there and stooped to head home.

You can tell, even when this lot aren't on top form that we are coached to play a particular style of football, we pass and move and press well off the ball, at times last night not everything was perfectly in sync but it is still evident that we are getting a lot right at development level. It was also very noticeable how our coaching staff were happy to pretty much just observe the game and not spend the 90 minutes shouting and hollering. I like this, it shows they are committed to development not just trying to win the next 90 minutes of football - Chris Ramsey (I think) even applauded Everton's goal. Even at this level it is important to place importance in development over results, even though we seem to be doing both pretty well.

Thoughts on the players...

Archer - Some really good stops, some brave bits of keeping too. Looks a prospect but need to see more to form a better opinion.
Fredericks - Got forward well, looked reasonably composed.
Fryers - Got forward well and has a decent technique from what I saw, difficult to rate full backs I find, need to see more of him and Fredericks.
Hall - Good game, comfortable playing from the back.
Stewart - As above.
Veljkovic - Sits in front of the back 4 and recycles possession well, not a busy ****, more of a modern type holding player. Gets ball, gives ball, supports the guy with the ball.
Carroll - Great first half, dropped off in the second a bit but that is unusual for him when I've seen him. Some of his passes are lovely, there was one example when he found a beautiful little dink through in the final third when under pressure, and he also is adding an ability to beat players now to give himself space, and his movement to receive the ball is always excellent. He doesn't hide, he needs first team games.
Bentaleb - Like this kid a lot, good touch, combines well in tight situations and gets forward in to dangerous areas.
Ceballos - If you had no idea about him you'd still come to the conclusion that he's a 'Spanish' type player, and not just because of the mop top of black hair. Not in a tippy tappy passing sense, but the manner in which he glides with the ball with his head up - it wasn't actually really happening for him last night, he overran the ball a few times in good positions but there is potential there. He likes to get involved in the play and comes inside from out on the right flank, looking to run with the ball and to look for combinations with others - he's raw but there is a player to be moulded there. Great assist when he was put out left.
Pritchard - Not his best game actually, he kept looking for the ball and wanted to be involved but his touch wasn't quite on yesterday. He's a big talent though, just not his day despite a good finish for the goal.
Obika - You have to wonder if he is going to make it with us since he made his debut about 5 years ago, but he led the line well and could have had more than his 2 goals. Decent movement, decent hold up play, decent combination play but deep down not sure there is that special thing there that probably should be at his age.

Mckevoy - Pacy winger, looks like Bale but style of play closer to Lennon. Combined well with Barthram when he came on and some decent balls in from out wide.
Barthram - Excellent game when he came on. He's tiny but a tough cookie and got forward well from deep linking up with Mckevoy.
Gallifuoco - NET

All in all another enjoyable jaunt to the lane that leaves you feeling very positive about where we are headed as a club.

 

[Now it's Spursonal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyUEyU2NEdw
For fans interested in seeing more of our young players, here is a nice highlight reel of Christian Ceballos.

 

[mpickard2087]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyUEyU2NEdw
For fans interested in seeing more of our young players, here is a nice highlight reel of Christian Ceballos.

Great find. One of several who I hope get first team opportunities next season.

 

[EnfieldYiddo]

We need to stop buying stop gap/squad players a la Dempsey... It's a terrible transfer policy.

Levy should have a big clear out, get rid of the 'bit' players and focus on bringing in only top quality... The youth are more than capable of filling in as squad depth.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Why do Liverpool or ManU get to host the final when we won the league ?

 

[Bus-Conductor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyUEyU2NEdw
For fans interested in seeing more of our young players, here is a nice highlight reel of Christian Ceballos.

Two footed, long and short, incisive passes, comfortable with the ball at his feet, an eye for goal.

Really don't understand why he hasn't been on our bench much more.

 

[Spursidol]

Why do Liverpool or ManU get to host the final when we won the league ?

Per one Spurs notice, the home/away was drawn.

In the semi final we got home advantage from winning Elite League

In the semi final tonight home advantage was given to the runner up in Elite League.

Think its a nonsence though. Should be at a neutral venue - or even 2 legged.

 

[Spursidol]

Didn't realise their right back cost £3m!!! Wow, that's crazy. But then how much did we pay for Bostock and Parrett.

Their rb did provide the cross for Evertons first goal though didn't he? Was down the other end so I couldn't see properly.

Huge amount for an 18 year old after 24 games at Barnsley (per Wiki).

Bostock cost £750k (I think after the tribunal) and Parrett about £1m. Better to grow your own as far as possible

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Just seen that Townsend, Rose, Caulker and Smith are in the u21 squad for the european championships in the summer.

GOALKEEPERS
Jack Butland (Stoke City), Declan Rudd (Norwich City), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)
DEFENDERS
Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion), Tom Lees (Leeds United), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)
MIDFIELDERS
Nat Chalobah (Watford - loan from Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Tom Ince (Blackpool), Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest), Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers), Josh McEachran (Chelsea), Callum McManaman (Wigan Athletic), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Queens Park Rangers - loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
FORWARDS
Marvin Sordell (Bolton Wanderers), Connor Wickham (Sunderland), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace - on loan from Manchester United)

No other clubs have 4 players, Woolwich have none. Shame Carroll isn't in it, should be imo but i'm probably being biased.

 

[ShelfSide18]

Just seen that Townsend, Rose, Caulker and Smith are in the u21 squad for the european championships in the summer.

GOALKEEPERS
Jack Butland (Stoke City), Declan Rudd (Norwich City), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)
DEFENDERS
Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion), Tom Lees (Leeds United), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)
MIDFIELDERS
Nat Chalobah (Watford - loan from Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Tom Ince (Blackpool), Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest), Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers), Josh McEachran (Chelsea), Callum McManaman (Wigan Athletic), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Queens Park Rangers - loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
FORWARDS
Marvin Sordell (Bolton Wanderers), Connor Wickham (Sunderland), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace - on loan from Manchester United)

No other clubs have 4 players, Woolwich have none. Shame Carroll isn't in it, should be imo but i'm probably being biased.

Highly disappointing that Carroll is overlooked.

 

[mpickard2087]

Real lack of strikers coming through if that's all the U21's can muster.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Highly disappointing that Carroll is overlooked.

From what I've seen of Mcheachran, who has been hyped up a lot, he isn't better than Carroll. But time will tell. Don't know anything about Jason Lowe, Henderson and Shelvey are ever presents at that level, so is Lansbury and has been for a while but I don't see anything special in him. That Chalobah guy from Chelsea looks good though and has had a decent season at Watford.