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The six Leeds players competing at U21 EUROs, including £4m defender and four-goal winger
Leeds United will have six representatives at the upcoming U21s EUROs set to kick off in seven days.
The tournament is set to span just under three weeks and will take place in Georgia, with the final being held on Saturday 8 July.
The Whites are scheduled to return for pre-season training on July 2 and as such, a number of players may therefore be absent during the early weeks of the summer.
All members of the Leeds side jetting out to Georgia will fancy their chances of going all the way, with some particularly strong squads on show.
Here is a look at the six players who have, so far, been named to represent their respective countries.
Charlie Cresswell – England
£4m rated centre back Cresswell has recovered in time to be named in the Three Lions squad after fracturing an eye socket while on loan at Millwall, which saw him miss the final month of the season.
After an impressive campaign at the Den, this tournament could really provide him with the platform to stake a claim for a regular spot in Leeds’ starting XI in the Championship.
With the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Noni Madueke also in the squad, England will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy.
Willy Gnonto – Italy
The football just does not stop for Gnonto having also been named in Italy’s senior squad for the Nations League finals set to commence this evening.
Gnonto’s season started all the way back in mid-July last year at FC Zurich and therefore he will be due a decent break before returning to Leeds for pre-season, providing he stays at the club.
The 19-year-old will be joined by stars such as Sandro Tonali and Destiny Udogie in what is a strong Azzuri squad.
Illan Meslier – France
After a dismal few months between the sticks for Leeds, Meslier has been handed the opportunity to re-find his best form with France.
Meslier is facing an uncertain future at Elland Road this summer after relegation and has already publicly addressed speculation linking him with Chelsea.
That said, international football will be a welcome distraction for him and alongside the likes of Michael Olise, Khephren Thuram, Enzo Le Fee and Manu Kone, France look very strong.
Crysencio Summerville – Netherlands
Another facing a potentially uncertain future in West Yorkshire is Summerville, who has been linked with a return to his native homeland.
Away from that, Summerville could be set to play a leading role for his nation in Georgia after a breakthrough Premier League season at Leeds.
The 21-year-old will be joined by young stars such as Ryan Gravenberch, Kenneth Taylor and Ian Maatsen as Netherlands look to go all the way.
Leo Hjelde/Kristoffer Klaesson – Norway
In a group that also contains Meslier’s France and Gnonto’s Italy, Norway face a huge challenge progressing through to the knockout stages.
Leeds duo Hjelde and Klaesson could be set for regular roles for the Norwegians, though, and will need to be at the top of their games to stop the likes of Gnonto.
Following a decent summer break since his loan spell at Rotherham United, Hjelde will be looking to use this as a springboard for some momentum heading into pre-season with Leeds, where a regular role could be on offer.
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