McAtee Prioritizes Euros Over Club World Cup

England U21 captain James McAtee reveals why he chose to play in the Euros over Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign. Get the latest on his decision and tournament expectations.

James McAtee prioritized game time at the EURO U21 over Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign. The 22-year-old will lead England into their tournament opener against the Czech Republic after being named captain following Taylor Harwood-Bellis' injury. McAtee made 15 Premier League appearances and scored three goals for City last season.

James McAtee will lead England U21 into the tournament as captain following Taylor Harwood-Bellis' injury. “It's an honour to be captain of the 21 squad. Taylor's obviously going to be a big miss, but it's an honour in itself,” McAtee said. He plans to lean on other squad members for their leadership qualities.

🚨 James McAtee stressed it was the need for game time that saw him choose the Euros with England over Manchester City’s campaign in the Club World Cup, as the 22-year-old gets set to lead the young Lions into their tournament opener against the Czech Republic on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/TvqqlgV4nL

— Cedi Sports (@CEDISPORTS) June 11, 2025

James McAtee prioritized game time and the opportunity to contribute to the England U21 team. “I think the main thing was obviously game time and maybe my importance to this group. I've never had an international tournament before, so I wanted to come here,” he explained.

“We do have a group of leaders. We have some meetings throughout the day. But I'm just trying to develop my character, my leadership skills. Some of the lads, Harvey (Elliott), Tino (Livramento), Crezzy (Charlie Cresswell), have obviously got the experience at the last one (Euros).”

Lee Carsley has confirmed that James McAtee will be our #YoungLions captain for the #U21EURO finals ©️ pic.twitter.com/gy8cNDMOBo

— England (@England) June 6, 2025

James McAtee chose to play for England U21 over Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign, differing from teammates Liam Delap (Chelsea) and Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), who are participating in the tournament.

“At the start of the season, it was one of my goals to qualify with the group to the Euros and I wanted to see it through.

“I just had a little conversation (with Manchester City). It wasn't a long one, it was just a little one of what I wanted to do and it was easy as that.”

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