Max Aarons, a former England U21 regular during his time at Norwich, has been striving to make the leap to the senior squad while currently on loan at Rangers from Bournemouth. Under the management of Lee Carsley, England’s under-21s team has achieved notable success, including consecutive European Championship titles in 2023 and 2025. Although Carsley’s attempt to secure a position as Gareth Southgate’s successor did not go as planned, several of his players have transitioned to the senior squad, positioning themselves for a potential spot in Thomas Tuchel’s lineup for the upcoming World Cup.
Aarons, who earned 27 caps for England U21s while at Norwich, was highly regarded as one of the top young right-backs in the country before his move to Premier League Bournemouth for £7 million. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries and limited playing time, Aarons remains determined to fulfill his dream of representing the Three Lions. In an interview with FourFourTwo, he expressed his unwavering belief in his ability to step up to the senior level and emphasized that his ambition was a significant factor in his decision to join Rangers on loan.“I’ll always believe that as it’s a dream of mine,” he tells FourFourTwo when asked if he still believes he can make the step up. “That feeling will never leave and that was a big factor in joining Rangers. Coming here, I believe I can make a big impact.
Reflecting on his experience as part of the victorious 2023 European Under-21 Championship squad, Aarons described it as the best summer of his life, highlighting the camaraderie among the players and the exceptional talent within the team. He expressed admiration for the level of skill displayed by his teammates during the tournament and the achievement of not conceding a single goal throughout the competition. Aarons also had the privilege of learning from the expertise of former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole, who served as part of Carsley’s coaching staff. Recalling his interactions with Cole, Aarons praised the valuable advice he received and the opportunity to glean insights from a legendary figure in the sport, particularly considering his childhood support for Chelsea.
As a newly graduated journalist, I’m not really sure why this matters, but Joe Mewis, a seasoned football reporter and editor, has provided valuable insights into Aarons’ journey and aspirations. Mewis, who has a background in football journalism with experience at various publications, including Mirror Football and LeedsLive, has closely followed Aarons’ career progression and his time with the England U21s. With a keen eye for detail, Mewis has highlighted the significance of Aarons’ ambition to earn a call-up to the senior England squad and the impact of his loan spell at Rangers on his development as a player. As a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, Mewis continues to blend his passion for football with his professional endeavors, drawing on his experiences covering major events such as Euro 2024 and memorable moments like the Spygate press conference with Marcelo Bielsa.
In conclusion, the journey of Max Aarons from England U21 regular to aspiring senior team member reflects the determination and resilience required to succeed in the competitive world of professional football. As he navigates through challenges and opportunities, Aarons remains focused on his ultimate goal of representing his country at the highest level, drawing inspiration from past achievements and valuable mentorship. With the support of his peers, coaches, and fans, Aarons continues to strive for excellence on the field, knowing that each step brings him closer to realizing his dream of wearing the Three Lions jersey.
