Manchester City are all set for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14, in the United States.
Man City recently announced their squad for the upcoming competition. However, the list saw some names missing, which led to questions. One such name is of English star, James McAtee.
McAtee, who started his senior career at the Etihad in 2021, has managed to start in only nine out of the 27 appearances he made for City in the 2024-25 season. Even though his current contract remains valid for one more season, the midfielder has been linked with a move away from the English club this summer.
Now, the 22-year-old has opened up about his omission from Man City's squad for the Club World Cup. McAtee revealed that he opted to play for England’s U-21 European Championship over the FIFA competition.
What did James McAtee say about missing on Man City's Club World Cup?
McAtee has been named England's captain for the U-21 European Championship. Speaking ahead of their opening match against the Czech Republic, he stated (comments via Sun Sport) that Man City head coach Pep Guardiola was encouraging about his choice.
“I don’t know if he (Guardiola) knew I was going to be captain at all, but yeah, he was just saying, ‘Go and enjoy yourself and go and have fun and try and win the tournament’. We just had a discussion and it was as easy as that. A quick discussion and then I was on my way here. I didn’t know if it was going to happen, but I’m happy to be here, happy to be with the lads and looking forward to the tournament."
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While addressing his lack of game time at City, McAtee candidly admitted that he believes he 'can play more of a part' for his nation than he 'would have at the Club World Cup.'
"It was a chance for me to go and play. I’ve been happy with my minutes that I’ve got this year (at Manchester City), but I think here I can play more of a part than I would have at the Club World Cup. It’s more of an experience and this is my first international tournament, so it’ll be good to get out there."
Man City will be preparing to face Wydad AC in their first match of the Club World Cup on June 18. McAtee, meanwhile, along with the England squad are set to lock horns with Slovenia in the EURO U-21 on June 15.
Manchester City news and related links
- FIFA Club World Cup squads: Full list of confirmed rosters for 32 teams taking part in USA 2025
- Former star says Manchester City Club World Cup entry is 'a joke'
- Man City Club World Cup 2025 fixture schedule