Stade de Reims’ Folarin Balogun (21), Lille OSC’s Angel Gomes (22) and Stade Rennais’ Djed Spence (22) have all been called up to the England U21 squad, which was announced on Friday.
Only Kylian Mbappé (19) and Jonathan David (19) have scored more goals than Balogun (16) in Ligue 1 this season. The Arsenal loanee was seemingly perturbed by his non-selection in England’s senior squad. Following the announcement of the squad, Balogun posted on Instagram: “In life, go where your [sic] appreciated.”
Balogun is also eligible to play for Nigeria and the US Men’s National Team, who he has already represented at youth level. However, Balogun has been called up to Lee Carsley’s 26-man U21 squad to face France and Croatia later this month and is one of three English Ligue 1 players to make the cut.
He is joined by Spence, currently on loan at Rennes from Tottenham Hotspur is also included in the list, as is former Manchester United academy product Gomes, who is enjoying a good season at Lille.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle