England Under-21 captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis has returned to Southampton for a scan on a thigh injury following his substitution in the Young Lions’ 5-3 defeat to France in a friendly on Friday. Harwood-Bellis left St George’s Park over the weekend, missing Monday’s game against Portugal. Southampton, currently at the bottom of the Premier League, will next face Crystal Palace on April 2. The club and national team officials have emphasized player safety, prioritizing Harwood-Bellis’s recovery.
Harwood-Bellis Forced to Leave Camp Early
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the England Under-21 captain, was forced to leave his national team duties early after suffering a thigh injury in Friday’s 5-3 loss to France. The centre-back, who plays for Southampton in the Premier League, was substituted in the 62nd minute of the match and immediately headed back to his club for further assessment. Harwood-Bellis had a solid performance before being replaced by Charlie Cresswell, but the injury raised concerns for his fitness ahead of upcoming competitions.
Scan Scheduled for Monday
In an official statement, England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley confirmed that Harwood-Bellis was sent back to Southampton for a scan on his thigh injury. “Taylor’s been sent back to the club, and he’ll get a scan on his thigh. It seemed OK, but we’ve said in the past we’ll never take any chances with the players. As soon as there’s an issue, they go back to the club,” Carsley explained.
Southampton, who are struggling at the bottom of the Premier League table, will monitor Harwood-Bellis’s condition closely. The injury could have significant implications for both his club and national team commitments.
Southampton’s Ongoing Battle in the Premier League
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Premier League, Southampton faces a tough battle to avoid relegation. The club’s next fixture is on April 2 against Crystal Palace, a match they hope will help their survival chances. The return of Harwood-Bellis to full fitness could be crucial in their fight against the drop, given his defensive leadership and experience at the back. The centre-back’s absence would leave a significant gap in their defensive line.
Harwood-Bellis’s Development and Senior Debut
Harwood-Bellis, who captained the Young Lions to success at the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, is also a rising star for the senior national team. He made his senior debut in November against the Republic of Ireland, scoring in a memorable performance. The defender’s growth in recent years has been closely watched by both Southampton and national team officials, with hopes that he will become a regular feature in England’s senior squad in the future.
The injury, while unfortunate, is a minor setback in what has been a promising career for Harwood-Bellis. The 21-year-old has garnered significant attention for his strong performances with both club and country, and the scan results will determine whether he can return to action in the coming weeks.
Young Lions Focused on Euro 2025 Preparations
As England’s Under-21s prepare for Euro 2025 this summer, the team is looking to build on their successful campaign in 2023. Under Carsley’s management, the Young Lions won the tournament, and now they are focused on defending their title. Euro 2025, set to take place in Slovakia, will see England face tough competition, with matches against the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovenia. Harwood-Bellis is a key part of this squad, and his injury will be carefully managed to ensure he is fit for the tournament.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis’s injury comes at a crucial time for both his club and country. Southampton will be hoping for positive news after the scan, as they fight to retain their Premier League status. Meanwhile, the Young Lions look forward to Euro 2025, where Harwood-Bellis is expected to play a significant role in England’s pursuit of another title. For now, the focus remains on his recovery, with both the national team and Southampton’s medical staff ensuring that he receives the best possible care.
