Amario Cozier-Duberry eyes international success after England U21 call-up
Rising winger Amario Cozier-Duberry has earned his first call-up to Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad, marking a significant milestone in the young talent's career. Currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Brighton & Hove Albion, the 21-year-old is looking to move beyond early career comparisons and establish himself as a vital contributor to the national youth setup.
A rising talent in the Championship
Cozier-Duberry has quickly made an impact at the Riverside Stadium, showcasing his technical ability with a standout performance in a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City, where his dribbling and vision resulted in a key assist. This display followed consecutive goals against Millwall and Norwich, cementing his place in the manager's plans. His development is being closely monitored as England aims for a third consecutive European Under-21 title.
The winger's journey to the Championship follows his departure from Arsenal, where he spent his formative years. Despite interest from other clubs, including a rejected £7.5m bid from Rangers, Brighton secured his signature in 2024. Cozier-Duberry emphasized that the decision to go out on loan was driven by a desire to avoid being a “number” and instead secure consistent minutes to refine his craft.
Mentorship and tactical inspiration
Throughout his development, Cozier-Duberry has drawn inspiration from elite wide players. He cites Dutch legend Arjen Robben as a primary influence, admiring the predictability of Robben’s signature cut-inside move, which remained effective despite being well-known to opponents. He also credits former Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Reiss Nelson for shaping his approach to the game.
The comparison to Saka, famously dubbed "unplayable" by former Arsenal youth coach Jack Wilshere, is one the youngster views with humility. During his time at the Emirates, Cozier-Duberry gained valuable experience training with the first team and even made a pre-season appearance against Barcelona in 2023. He also credits advice from veteran striker Danny Welbeck, who encouraged him to remain direct and assertive during daily training sessions.
Ambitions for the European stage
Looking ahead, Cozier-Duberry is focused on the upcoming European qualifiers against Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and the Republic of Ireland. He is particularly excited about the prospect of linking up with Middlesbrough teammate Will Lankshear, a striker who has been tipped by coaches as a potential successor to Harry Kane. The pair, who previously played together at Arsenal, hope to translate their club chemistry to the international level.
For more on the latest developments in English football, visit The Football Association. As the team prepares for the next phase of the tournament, Cozier-Duberry remains grounded, focusing on hard work rather than external expectations. "It’s an amazing opportunity to be here," he noted, "but to go and win a European trophy would just be like the icing on the cake."