Manchester City defender Rico Lewis's time on the international stage will come - but for now England Under 21 boss Lee Carsley is keen to protect the player.
Lewis was a breakout star in City's incredible treble winning season, with the energetic, versatile full-back making 23 appearances over the course of the campaign. City's number 82, who is still just 18-years-of-age, was trusted by manager Pep Guardiola and rewarded that faith with a series of eye catching performances.
He promises to be a massive player at club level in years to come and the same is being tipped for Lewis in an England shirt. The defender has not been picked for this summer's U21 European Championships - which get under way later this month - but Carsley knows the future is extremely bright for the latest City prodigy.
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Carsley said: “We took Rico’s age into consideration - he will have a full campaign next year. He has played a part in City’s success. We gave him the experience in the last camp. We felt with Lewis Hall as well, we have to take into consideration the amount of stress and pressure they’ve had to deal with.
“And for his age it is important he regroups and gets his energy back for next season. At the moment, there are players ahead of him but he will play a big part in the future.”
City team-mates Cole Palmer, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis will feature at the tournament, which is being held in Romania and Georgia. The Young Lions' group stage campaign kicks off on June 22, against the Czech Republic - with Israel and Germany also to play.
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