Charlie Cresswell


Charlie Richard Cresswell is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Toulouse and the England U21 national team.

Club career

Leeds United

Cresswell was born in Preston, but grew up in York. He started his career at Leeds United in 2013, before signing a two-year scholarship with the club in 2018. He was included in the League Football Education's The 11 award for under-18 players in June 2019, and signed his first professional contract with the club in September 2019.
Cresswell made his debut for Leeds on 16 September 2020 against Hull City in the EFL Cup. Cresswell extended his contract to summer 2023 on 19 November 2020. Cresswell captained the under-23s to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title and was nominated along with teammate Sam Greenwood for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award. Cresswell made his Premier League debut for Leeds United on 25 September 2021 in the starting line-up for the 2–1 defeat against West Ham United at Elland Road. In July 2023 Cresswell signed a new four-year contract with Leeds United.

Millwall (loan)

On 4 July 2022, Cresswell signed for EFL Championship club Millwall on a season-long loan deal. He scored two goals on his debut as Millwall beat Stoke City 2–0 in the first game of the season on 30 July.

Toulouse

On 8 July 2024, Cresswell moved to Ligue 1 club Toulouse on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

International career

On 2 October 2020, Cresswell was named in the England under-19 squad. He made his debut for the under-19s in a friendly match versus Scotland at St George's Park, scoring in the first half as England went into half-time with a 3–1 lead. However, the game was abandoned during the interval after a member of the coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19.
On 27 August 2021, Cresswell received his first call up for the England Under-21 squad. He made his debut for the side as a substitute in a 3–1 win over the Czech Republic on 11 November 2021. Cresswell was included in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He started in their last group game. Cresswell was an unused substitute in the final as England defeated Spain to win the tournament.
Cresswell took part in the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, scoring a header in England's first match of the tournament, a 3–1 win against the Czech Republic. He played every minute of their competition including the final as England defeated Germany after extra time to retain the trophy. His performances during the competition resulted in him being chosen by the UEFA Technical Observer panel for their team of the tournament.

Personal life

He is the son of former professional footballer Richard Cresswell, who played for Leeds United in the early 2000s and after retiring was part of the Leeds United academy coaching staff.

Honours

England U21
Individual