‘I’ll always believe I can get an England call-up – it’s a dream of mine. That feeling will never leave and that was a big factor in joining Rangers’ Max Aarons on his Three Lions motivation

Max Aarons, Norwich.

Under Lee Carsley, England’s under-21s side has enjoyed significant success of late, not least back-to-back European Championship titles in 2023 and 2025.

And while Carsley’s audition as Gareth Southgate’s successor in the Wembley dugout did not quite go to plan last year, he has seen a number of his players graduate to the senior squad and put themselves in contention for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next summer’s World Cup.