The U21 team is made up of players under the age of 21, although five over-age outfield players and an over-age goalkeeper may be named in a Premier League 2 match squad, these may include fringe first-team players and senior players recovering from injury.
The U21 group consists of young players who are 21 or younger, whereas up to five older outfield players and an over-age goalkeeper can participate in a Premier League 2 match, potentially including backup first-team players and injured seniors returning to action.