Sheffield United fans can have eyes on the England under-21s this week, as the Young Lions take on Italy and Germany.
The clash with the Germans is at Bramall Lane. It gives Blades starlets Rhian Brewster, Tommy Doyle, and James McAtee the chance to impress in front of the home crowd. There’ll be no ‘home coming’ for Morgan Gibbs-White, though, who has pulled out of the squad with injury.
However, for the likes of Brewster, Doyle, and McAtee, it’s a chance to get some minutes in. For Brewster and McAtee in particular, the opportunity to get game-time will be welcomed and Paul Heckingbottom will be hoping his players come back feeling fit, refreshed, and crucially, not injured.
And interestingly for the United trio, they will have had the opportunity this week to work with one of the Premier League’s best ever midfielders, Yaya Toure.
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Toure At England Under-21 Training
The Daily Mail reports how Toure has been attending the 21s’ training sessions this week. It’s a move approved by Young Lions boss Lee Carsley, who is allowing Toure to run the rule over his young stars and bring his experience to the table, while also getting something out of it himself.
Toure is currently on the books at Tottenham Hotspur where he looks after the Spurs under-16s. Of course, it’s clear he wants to forge a path in football coaching and he’s well on his way with a position at Spurs.
Naturally, for the likes of McAtee and Doyle, the chance to impress and tap into a Manchester City legend is something they’ll relish. Toure was vital for Pep Guardiola’s side in winning three Premier League titles. His knowledge and experience of the game is invaluable.
Hopefully, Sheffield United’s young stars have managed to have a word with Toure and make their time away from Shirecliffe that bit more useful.
