Playing at Middlesbrough facilitated Will Lankshear and Amario Cozier-Duberry’s call-ups to England.

Middlesbrough’s impressive beginning to the Championship season has brought international recognition for two of their summer arrivals, with Will Lankshear and Amario Cozier-Duberry both earning places in England’s Under-21 squad.

England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley has explained how their performances since moving to Teesside have contributed to their latest opportunities. The pair are uncapped at this level and have been selected alongside Boro defender Ashley Phillips, who has already represented Carsley’s team five times.

The presence of three Middlesbrough players in the Young Lions group is significant for the club. Only Manchester City have provided the same number of players for the England Under-21 camp, underlining the impact of Middlesbrough’s summer recruitment.

Amario Cozier-Duberry and Will Lankshear are both with the England Under-21 squad this month

Cozier-Duberry Earns First Under-21 Selection

For Cozier-Duberry, the call-up represents his first opportunity with England’s Under-21s. The talented winger has previously represented the Young Lions at several younger age groups, but this is the first time he has been selected for the Under-21 squad.

His performances since joining Middlesbrough have helped him make that step.

Cozier-Duberry spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One, where he gained valuable experience and impressed with his performances. However, Carsley explained that bringing the winger into the England setup while he was at Bolton was not straightforward.

One reason was the League One schedule. Fixtures continued during international breaks, meaning Bolton could have been affected if several players were called away on international duty.

Carsley therefore had to consider whether taking Cozier-Duberry away from Bolton would benefit the player if it also meant missing club matches and then facing difficulties regaining his place.

Carsley explained that the situation required finding the right balance between international development and regular club football.

Now, however, he believes Cozier-Duberry is in a stronger position to move into the Under-21 environment because of the progress he has made at Middlesbrough.

Carsley Praises Cozier-Duberry

Carsley has been impressed with the winger’s beginning at Middlesbrough and believes his performances have justified the international recognition.

The England boss said Cozier-Duberry had made a positive start with Boro and also acknowledged that he enjoyed a strong campaign during the previous season.

Competition for places in England’s Under-21 squad is intense in the wide attacking positions. Carsley acknowledged that breaking into those areas is difficult, making the winger’s selection an achievement.

The England coach believes Cozier-Duberry has earned the opportunity through his contribution to Middlesbrough.

Carsley also described him as an exciting player, suggesting that the winger has qualities required to make an impression at international level.

For Middlesbrough, his selection provides further evidence that the club’s summer recruitment strategy is producing immediate benefits. Cozier-Duberry’s development at Boro has now been recognised by the national team.

Lankshear Back In The England Setup

Lankshear’s selection is slightly different because the striker has already been included in an England Under-21 squad.

The former Tottenham forward was called up last September, but despite being selected, he did not make an appearance. This time, however, he is expected to have an opportunity to make his Under-21 debut.

England have three important European Championship qualifying matches coming up over the next couple of weeks, giving Lankshear the chance to finally step onto the international stage.

His inclusion comes after a strong beginning to life on Teesside. The striker has already scored eight goals for Kim Hellberg’s Middlesbrough side, establishing himself as one of the team’s most productive attacking players.

Carsley believes Lankshear’s improved form is closely connected to the environment he has found at Middlesbrough.

Different Role Has Helped Lankshear

According to Carsley, Lankshear is operating in a different style compared with the football he played while at Oxford. That tactical change has allowed the England coach to see more of the striker’s abilities.

The Middlesbrough system appears to be giving Lankshear the opportunity to play with greater confidence, while regular minutes have also helped his development.

Carsley pointed specifically to his goalscoring record, describing it as highly impressive. The striker has been playing regularly, scoring consistently and gaining confidence with every appearance.

That combination of opportunities, goals and confidence has helped bring Lankshear back into Carsley’s thoughts for the Under-21 side.

The move to Middlesbrough has also brought a different kind of pressure. Lankshear joined the club for a significant transfer fee, meaning expectations around his performances have naturally increased.

Despite that added responsibility, Carsley believes the striker has handled the transition positively and has enjoyed a productive period since arriving at the Championship club.

Middlesbrough Recruitment Paying Off

The international selections of Lankshear and Cozier-Duberry provide an encouraging reflection on Middlesbrough’s work in the transfer market.

Both players arrived with potential, but their performances have quickly translated into international recognition. Their progress also comes alongside Phillips, who is already an established member of Carsley’s Under-21 squad.

Having three players selected places Middlesbrough alongside Manchester City as the clubs providing the highest number of players for this England camp.

England Opportunity Awaits

The upcoming international fixtures provide both players with an opportunity to take another step forward.

Cozier-Duberry will be looking to establish himself at Under-21 level after progressing through England’s younger age groups. Lankshear, meanwhile, will hope to turn his latest selection into the debut that eluded him last year.

Carsley’s comments underline the importance of regular club football in both cases. Their performances at Middlesbrough have provided the evidence needed for the England coach to select them.

For Cozier-Duberry, it was a question of finding the right moment after a productive loan spell at Bolton and a promising start in the Championship. For Lankshear, his goals and increased confidence have helped him return to the international picture.

Middlesbrough will now hope both players can maintain their progress when they return to club duty.

Their England selections represent individual recognition, but they also underline the growing influence of Middlesbrough’s recruitment strategy. With three players involved in the Young Lions camp, Boro are receiving recognition for their league performances and their ability to develop and provide a platform for young talent.