Sunderland make Dennis Cirkin announcement
Dennis Cirkin was a key player for Sunderland as the Black Cats achieved promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
For the first time in eight years, Sunderland will play in the Premier League after defeating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley (24 May).
Cirkin made 39 Championship appearances this season, returning from injury to start in all three play-off fixtures as Sunderland triumphed at Wembley.
The young defender joined Sunderland from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 and has been a resounding success in the North East.
Cirkin has cemented himself as one of the first names on the team sheet at the Stadium of Light and has helped lead his side to two promotions in four seasons.
However, a disappointing announcement about Cirkin has now been shared.
Cirkin withdraws from England Under-21 squad
Sunderland announced on Friday (30 May) that Cirkin has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad.
The left-back has pulled out of the squad before their training camp in preparation for the Under-21 European Championships in Slovakia this summer.
| Sunderland 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Dennis Cirkin | 39 | 3 | 2 |
England have confirmed that Cirkin has withdrawn due to a medical issue, although the exact injury has not been disclosed.
The 23-year-old was forced to withdraw from the last England Under-21 squad in March due to a hamstring injury, which kept him out of six Championship games for Sunderland.
Sunderland youth set for a big summer
Sunderland’s success this season has been built on their young stars, and some squad members are seeking international glory this summer.
The UEFA Under-21 and Under-19 European Championships are set to take place this summer in Slovakia and Romania, respectively.
Under-21s manager Lee Carsley is set to name his side to travel to Slovakia on 6 June, looking to defend the Three Lions’ title following victory in 2023.
Jobe Bellingham, who looks set to leave Sunderland, is likely to be named in the squad after he was named in the training camp squad last week.
Meanwhile, Matty Young, Chris Rigg, and Brighton-bound Tommy Watson have all been named among the Under-19 squad to travel to Romania.
Eliezer Mayenda, who scored the Black Cats’ equaliser at Wembley against Sheffield United, has been called up to Spain’s Under-21 squad for the tournament, following an excellent second half of the season.