ENGLAND’S Under-20 World Cup bid could be wrecked by the Lions cubs playing in promotion play-offs.
Ian Foster’s squad heads to Indonesia for the tournament kicking off on May 20 — although some of the players will be needed by their clubs.
Striker Joe Gelhardt, on loan at Sunderland from Leeds, is one of the starlets who could be involved in the play-offs for a Prem placeRex
GettyCallum Doyle is boosting Coventry’s bid for a Championship play-off spot[/caption]
Sunderland loanee Joe Gelhardt, Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison and Middlesbrough’s Aston Villa loanee Aaron Ramsey look sure to be picked.
But all three are looking likely to be involved in the end-of-season Championship shootout for a Prem place.
Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott could have a dilemma if his team makes a late charge.
Coventry duo Callum Doyle and Brooke Norton-Cuffy may face a club-v-country clash.
The tournament will be Indonesia’s first ever senior Fifa event.
England won the cup – held every two years – in 2017.
Ukraine won the last tournament two years later.
Covid then put paid to the 2021 event.
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Of the Lion cubs’ celebrated squad from six years ago, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proved the most successful.
The Everton striker, 25, has won 11 senior caps amid links to major Prem rivals.
Others include fellow full intentionals in AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters and Bournemouth forward Doninic Solanke.
Meanwhile, Atalanta goal machine Ademola Lookman graduated to England U-21s but switched allegiance to Nigeria last year.