Despite the absence of Leeds United, Charlie Cresswell has been nominated to England’s U21 squad.
Despite his absence from Leeds United, Charlie Cresswell has been nominated to England’s Under-21 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Serbia and Northern Ireland.
This comes shortly after Daniel Farke revealed that the defender had been missing from training for personal reasons during the week and may not be ready for the game against Plymouth. [BBC, November 9]
Farke did not elaborate on Cresswell’s personal concerns, so speculation will abound, but his participation in the England U21 squad suggests that they are, hopefully, minor.
Giving him some much-needed time
Creswell’s only source of regular play in recent weeks has been international duty with England U21s. He is not selected at Leeds and does not even make the bench with everyone fit, but these games keep him fresh.
He hasn’t been in a Farke matchday squad since 7 October, when he came off the bench against Bristol City, but he has played in two England U21 games against Serbia and Ukraine and has now been called up again.
In fact, his previous three starts in any tournament have all been for his country, and his continued expulsion at Leeds may force him to look for a new club in the January transfer window, whether on loan or on a more permanent basis.
His recent omission from the squad has made a key choice in January easier, and he could now push for a move, at least on loan, when the transfer window reopens.
In other Leeds United news, a permanent move for a £50 million-rated talent is now being considered.
