There was a point made during yesterday’s game that a lot of the potential u21s were getting called up to the first team and that was hampering the quality (not sure I buy that, to be honest). I’ve thought for years that young players should do a full campaign of u21 internationals before being considered for the first team. More playing experience and also (hopefully) a level of tournament experience. Don’t really see the need for Bellingham to be in the full squad at 17, no matter how good he is or may be.
I agree. I'd rather see a youngster play a competitive U21 than a full friendly. Similarly anyone available for U21 tournaments, regardless of if they're usually part of the main squad, should play in them unless they're going to be a major part of the first team in a tournament at the same time. Tournament experience is rare so every bit they can get is worthwhile. If a player thinks they're above that it tells you a hell of a lot about their mentality.
We've got some decent U21 players, especially in attacking areas that are regulars for their clubs. Saka, James, Sancho, Foden, Hudson-Odoi, Smith-Rowe, Bellingham, Greenwood.
Mind you it doesn't help if you've got such a lot of attacking talent when you've got two managers who are so defensive minded they'll leave them out to play an extra DCM anyway.