Harrison Armstrong in an England shirt and Lee Carsley looking on for England's U21s ahead of Hill Dickinson Stadium, home of Everton.

Harrison Armstrong and Lee CarsleyBreaking Media/Manh Tung

Everton's Harrison Armstrong in 'outstanding' bracket as Lee Carsley reacts after England U21 call-up

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

03 Oct 2026, 1:10 pm

Harrison Armstrong has had a productive international break away from Everton.

The midfielder was initially called up to England's U20s squad, featuring in two games for the Three Lions in the Elite League.

The 19-year-old started in a 3-1 win over Italy, while he also gained valuable minutes off the bench during a 2-1 victory against France.

There were suggestions that Armstrong was good enough to be promoted to England's U21s setup, and that's what happened earlier this week.

The teenager was on the bench for England's U21s on Friday, who drew 0-0 with Slovakia to confirm their spot in the UEFA European Championship tournament next year.

Head coach Lee Carsley has had time to see Armstrong up close now, and the Everton youngster could now be headed for a crucial season for both club and country.

Why has Harrison Armstrong been included in 'outstanding' England bracket

David Moyes gave Armstrong another chance to impress him in pre-season, and the Finch Farm product took his chance.

The box-to-box midfielder has been playing next to James Garner in the middle of the park, so far keeping new signing Hayden Hackney out of the side.

Christian Norgaard is now back to full fitness for the Toffees, so Armstrong may have an even tougher fight on his hands once he returns to L3.

However, Carsley has clearly been impressed by the Everton player, who could be in contention to feature for England at the U21s UEFA European Championship tournament in 2027.

Carsley said, as quoted by Henry Winter on X: "I'm maybe monitoring 60-odd players weekly. We've got a big recruitment department. I really like working with this generation of players.

"We've got some outstanding talent - the lads that are in the squad currently. We've been lucky enough to bring in Divine Mukasa, Trey Nyoni and Armstrong as well, young players."

Lee Carsley has a list of around 60 players being monitored for England's 23-man Under-21s squad as they look to win the European title an unprecedented three times in succession. England qualified for next summer’s finals in Albania and Serbia with a point against Slovakia at…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) October 3, 2026

Armstrong could make his debut for England's U21s in the young Three Lions' final game of the break against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

He will need to impress for both England and Everton if he wants to feature at the UEFA European Championships in 2027.

However, there's also another young player at Everton who will want to be there.

Everton contract priorities: Harrison Armstrong and 'freak' defender among them

How did Tyler Dibling get on vs Slovakia?

Unlike Armstrong, Tyler Dibling did feature for England's U21s against Slovakia.

The winger has been improving under David Moyes this season, and had arguably his best game since joining the Blues in the 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Wolves.

The 20-year-old managed 28 minutes against Slovakia, completing 19 out of his 20 attempted passes, with one being a key pass.

Dibling had two successful dribbles and put three crosses into the box, looking to make things happen for the Three Lions.

Both Armstrong and Dibling will be hoping to continue their form for Everton and England this season.

Tyler Dibling