Leeds United academy product Charlie Cresswell is dreaming of making the England World Cup squad after enjoying an impressive start to life with Toulouse.
Charlie Cresswell was one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the recent cohort of Leeds Academy graduates, as he forced his way into the first-team picture under Marcelo Bielsa.
However, Cresswell found opportunities limited under head coach Daniel Farke following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, and he was deemed surplus to requirements at Elland Road.
A move to Toulouse followed in July 2024, with Leeds retaining a sizeable sell-on clause, and he has gone from strength to strength, earning links with a return to the Premier League.
Now, Cresswell has outlined how one key change following his Leeds exit has led him to take his game to the next level, allowing him to dream of a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Which former Leeds player would you have back, if you could pick one? Raphinha surely has to be up there💎 
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus Charlie Cresswell outlines World Cup dream with England
Speaking to the French press, via the Toulouse YouTube Channel, Cresswell explained how a change in routine had led him to improve his game in France.
According to the Leeds academy product, he no longer does as much strength work in the gym, which has allowed him to become quicker and more mobile as a result.
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Cresswell said: “I think when I was at Leeds before, I was in the gym a lot, working, and I put on a lot of muscular weight. When I came to Toulouse, I wanted to be faster and quicker, and I decided to lose weight and focus on bodyweight stuff in the gym.
“So I don’t lift too much weight, I just focus on being strong in my body and my core. Working with the physios as well here has helped me massively with my mobility.”
Asked about his World Cup ambitions, Cresswell added: “I think it’s obviously everyone’s goal. I think for me playing for your country is the biggest achievement. But I think it’s the highest level, playing for your country.
Photo by VALENTINE CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images
“So I’ve had an ambition since I was young that playing for England was one of my biggest, biggest dreams. I’m not going to get there by wishing or hoping.
“I think if I’m going to get there, it’s by working hard and focusing on my job here first at Toulouse, winning games and playing well, and the future will take care of itself.”
Leeds United exit has been the right move for Charlie Cresswell
While it is easy for Leeds fans to look on with jealousy as Cresswell makes a name for himself at Toulouse, the harsh truth is he would have struggled to force his way into the Leeds team, even now.
With Joe Rodon leading the Leeds defence in the right centre-back berth, forcing Sebastiaan Bornauw to wait for his first Premier League start, Farke’s side is already well stocked at the back.
Did Leeds United make a mistake by letting Charlie Cresswell leave? 🤔
The rising star has been linked with a Premier League return in recent months after impressing in France
“I was there since I was 11. I wanted to live that dream. I wanted to play for Leeds. I wanted to be part of that journey, but these things happen in football.
“You don’t always get your way and your path’s meant to go in a different direction, but it’s turned out well. I couldn’t be happier.”
Charlie Cresswell on leaving Leeds – The Athletic, 2025
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Regular game time, rather than time spent in the gym, has been essential to the rising English star’s development, as he has found his feet in Ligue 1.
Although the notion of another homegrown player forcing their way into the Leeds team is an attractive one, the truth is, Cresswell needed time to develop away from Elland Road to become a seasoned pro.
One and a half seasons after he joined Toulouse, it now looks like the best move for the defender, as he continues his impressive rise.
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