Kane named in England squad for Under-21 Euro Championships

England Under-21 coach Gareth Southgate has named his preliminary Young Lions squad for the European Under-21 Championships in the Czech Republic this summer, with picks such as Harry Kane and John Stones set to ruffle a few top Premier League outfits’ feathers.

The club versus country debate looks set to rear it’s head again as Southgate has called up Kane and Stones, who are already capped for Roy Hodgson’s senior Three Lions squad, and both played a part in long club campaigns.

Left back Luke Shaw, however, has not been selected for duty in the Czech Republic after Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal called for the youngster to be given a break following an injury-riddled campaign for the Red Devils.

Speaking about Shaw’s situation, Southgate said: “Luke was always very keen to come and Louis was supportive, but medically he was not fit to come. I knew that last Friday. It’s a shame, but we were always going to lose somebody.”

The 27-man U21s squad will be reduced to 23 for the #U21EUROS, which start on 17 June: http://t.co/z9oQyHWQO7 pic.twitter.com/anavingsdw

— England (@england) May 20, 2015

Everton attacking midfielder Ross Barkley is another high-profile star to be left out of the 27-man squad, which will be reduced to 23 before the competition takes place. Meanwhile, other eligible big names expected to be in contention such as Red Devils defender Phil Jones, Liverpool contract rebel Raheem Sterling, Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere and Crystal Palace wing wizard Wilfried Zaha also missed out.

In his bid to take a strong roster to the tournament, however, Southgate has selected Arsenal defensive duo Calum Chambers and Carl Jenkinson (on loan at West Ham United), plus Southampton starlet James Ward-Prowse and attacking talents Saido Berahino and Danny Ings, of West Bromwich Albion and Burnley respectively.

England certainly look formidable up front with ‘Hurri-Kane’ in the ranks, while Chelsea fans can watch out for academy products Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield, as the Young Lions look to land some silverware and outshine their senior squad contemporaries.

So, with a raft of exciting young stars set to represent England, Coral have priced Southgate and co up at a tempting 5/1 chance to win the Under-21 Championships.

Gareth Southgate’s preliminary 27-man England Under-21 squad for the 2015 European Championships:

Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli (Fulham), Jonathan Bond (Watford), Jack Butland (Stoke City)

Defenders: Calum Chambers (Arsenal), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Luke Garbutt (Everton), Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough), Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal, loan to West Ham United), Michael Keane (Burnley), Liam Moore (Leicester City), John Stones (Everton), Matt Targett (Southampton)

Midfielders: Tom Carroll (Tottenham, loan to Swansea City), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Will Hughes (Derby County), Jake Forster-Caskey (Brighton and Hove Albion), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Alex Pritchard (Tottenham), Nathan Redmond (Norwich City), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Benik Afobe (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Patrick Bamford (Chelsea, loan to Middlesbrough), Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Danny Ings (Burnley), Cauley Woodrow (Fulham)