A Leeds United player is set to lead out their country for the first time after being named captain for their upcoming fixture.
There is a healthy contingent of Leeds United players on international duty in the current Premier League break.
Leeds’ Welsh players endured a night to forget in their defeat against England. However, Karl Darlow received the honour of captaining Wales for the closing stages of the game, as he featured alongside teammates Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon.
However, there is another Leeds player on duty with Wales, as rising star Charlie Crew, who is currently on loan at Doncaster, was selected for the under-21s.
Crew will follow in Darlow’s footsteps by leading out the under-21s side as captain when they face Belgium at Rodney Parade.
Former Leeds United midfielder praises Charlie Crew
Wales Under-21s are led by a former Leeds United player, in the shape of Matthew Jones, who played 23 games for the club between 1997 and 2000.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game against Belgium, Jones praised Crew’s development and maturity after handing him the captaincy for the first time.
Jones said: “I think Charlie’s admirable when it comes to how he’s dealt with his journey, his development, the adversities he’s faced, I suppose, even going to Doncaster and having to fight for his jersey and making the decision to stay there and again be challenged up the leagues.
He added: “He’s a real deep-thinking, intelligent young man who we have been able to lean on this week as well. So we’ve included him not only in the captain’s group, but he is our captain for the game against Belgium and well-deserved as well.
“We know that he can lead, we know what he’s like within performance, setting the example and being a role model and no doubt he’ll be able to showcase that again on Friday.”
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Charlie Crew takes next step in exciting career
Leeds academy product Crew has enjoyed a whirlwind few months as the 19-year-old has taken the next step in his promising career.
Crew made his Leeds United debut in a 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle just over a year ago, replacing Joel Piroe as a late substitute.
Charlie Crew – 2025/26 Appearances
- League One – Five with Doncaster Rovers
- EFL Cup – Two with Doncaster Rovers
- International – One start for Wales
Having made his Wales debut in May 2024, Crew went on to make his first international start during the previous 2025/26 international break, as his side fell to a defeat against Jesse Marsch’s Canada.
With five League One appearances for Doncaster to his name, Crew is also making his mark at club level, as he continues to show great promise.
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