Harry Watkinson
Euro qualifiers: England Under-21s’ most prolific attackers
England’s first team may look great on paper, but they also have some very exciting young players waiting for their chance in the Under-21 squad.
In this article, we have broken down the Under-21’s top five most prolific goal scorers from their recent European Championship qualifiers and noted their assists for their country, comparing them with their goals and assists for their clubs in the 2021-22 season.
There are undoubtedly some future superstars featured in this list, so keep an eye out for them all next season.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun very nearly helped Middlesborough to a playoff spot and although he only scored three goals for the club, he is still highly rated by Boro’ fans and by his parent club – Arsenal.
He has been England’s top scorer in the Under-21’s Euro qualifiers so far with six goals in nine appearances and is known for his effective finishing, his skill on the ball and is widely touted to have bags of potential.
After impressing for Boro, it is expected that Balogun will be given an opportunity in pre-season to impress Mikel Arteta in an attempt to break into the Gunners’ first team. With Lacazette on the way out of the Emirates, he may not get a better opportunity than this.
England Under-21s
Played: 9
Goals: 6
Assists: 0
Club (Middlesborough – Loan from Arsenal)
Played: 21
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Anthony Gordon
Everton had a woeful 2021-22 season, finishing just four points above the drop zone – their closest relegation scare since 1994. However, one player who was undoubtedly been one of the Toffee’s few positives was 21-year-old Anthony Gordon.
The young winger impressed the Goodison faithful with his express pace, his ability to get the ball into the box and his knack for getting into dangerous positions – something which he seems to have taken into his games for England Under-21s.
In his six Euro qualifiers he has stood out from the rest; with four goals and one assist so far, he already looks like a seasoned Premier League winger. Gordon definitely has a bright future ahead of him.
England Under-21s
Played: 6
Goals: 4
Assists: 1
Club (Everton)
Played: 37
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
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Cameron Archer
Preston North End had the privilege of having 20-year-old Cameron Archer leading the line for them since joining on loan in January. He scored seven goals in 20 matches for the Lilywhites and many North End fans are begging Archer to sign permanently.
He has also enjoyed a 100% record for England Under-21s in the Euro qualifiers, scoring three goals in three games so far. The experience in the Championship has certainly improved his game.
Aston Villa seem likely to want Archer back for the 2022-23 campaign and deserves to get some opportunities in the Premier League if he continues his good form.
England Under-21s
Played: 3
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
Club (Preston North End – Loan from Aston Villa)
Played: 20
Goals: 7
Assists: 1
Jacob Ramsey
Another Aston Villa youngster who features in this list, but one who has actually broken through into the first team is Jacob Ramsey¸ who chalked up two goals and two assists in the Under-21s Euro qualifiers.
An exciting, pacey player who can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger – Ramsey has already become popular at Villa Park as he transformed himself from a player on the fringes to an essential part of Steven Gerrard’s side.
He was deservedly nominated for the 2021-22 PFA Young Player of the Year Award and if he continues to improve at the rate he has so far, he could be a big player for England in the coming years.
England Under-21s
Played: 5
Goals: 2
Assists: 2
Club (Aston Villa)
Played: 34
Goals: 6
Assists: 1
Emile Smith Rowe
Perhaps the most exciting player on this list and arguably the most likely to get into England’s World Cup side, Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough 2021-22 season.
With 11 goals in 37 games at the age of just 21, Smith Rowe optimizes Mikel Arteta’s trust in youth and could be a vital player for the Gunners for many years to come.
With two goals and one assist for England Under-21s in the Euro qualifiers, you feel that he could have more to give in their final matchup with Slovenia.
England Under-21s
Played: 4
Goals: 2
Assists: 1
Club (Arsenal)
Played: 37
Goals: 11
Assists: 2
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