Key Points
- Amario Cozier-Duberry, on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Brighton & Hove Albion, has been selected for the England Men’s Elite League (U20) squad.
- The call-up, announced on 12 March 2025 by the Football Association, included Cozier-Duberry as a forward for fixtures against Portugal and Switzerland.
- Cozier-Duberry made his England U20 debut in a 2–2 draw with Switzerland on 24 March 2025 at the Marbella Football Centre.
- The 20-year-old winger, previously with Arsenal’s academy, joined Bolton on a season-long loan in July 2025 and has shown significant form, including a standout goal in the EFL Cup.
- Head Coach Steven Schumacher of Bolton Wanderers praised Cozier-Duberry’s attacking profile and prior Championship experience as key assets for the club.
- Cozier-Duberry has represented England at multiple youth levels, including U16, U17, U18, and U19, scoring across various age groups.
- His performance for Bolton, including a first assist in League One and a long-range strike dubbed a “worldie” by Sky Sports, has marked a positive turn in his senior career trajectory.
Bolton’s Rising Star Joins England U20 Squad
As reported by the England Football official website, the Football Association confirmed on 12 March 2025 that Amario Cozier-Duberry had been named in the 22-man England Men’s Elite League (U20) squad for a double-header against Portugal and Switzerland. The announcement, made by the FA’s media team, highlighted Cozier-Duberry’s inclusion as a forward, replacing George Earthy of Bristol City on loan from West Ham United. At the time of selection, Cozier-Duberry was on loan at Blackburn Rovers from Brighton & Hove Albion, having made 22 Championship appearances and scored once during the 2024–25 season.
The squad, under the management of Ben Futcher, travelled to Leiria, Portugal, for their first fixture on 21 March 2025, followed by a match against Switzerland in Marbella on 24 March. According to the official match report published by England Football, Cozier-Duberry made his debut in the latter game, which ended in a 2–2 draw. The report noted that the England U20s remained unbeaten in the 2024–25 Euro Elite League campaign, having previously defeated Germany 4–0 and drawn with Poland under interim coach Paul Nevin.
From Hale End to Marbella: A Youth International’s Journey
Cozier-Duberry’s path to international recognition began in Tottenham, London, where he was born on 29 May 2005. As detailed by Wikipedia, he joined Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy at the age of 14 after impressing during a 10-week trial, having previously played for Chettle Court Rangers. His development at Arsenal was rapid: he made his EFL Trophy debut at 16, scored five goals in the 2022–23 FA Youth Cup campaign, and finished as top scorer and assist provider in Premier League 2 for Arsenal U21s during the 2023–24 season.
Despite earning a place on the bench for Arsenal’s first-team matches against Sevilla and Brentford, Cozier-Duberry chose not to renew his contract and joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer in July 2024, signing a four-year deal. His first senior loan to Blackburn Rovers was hampered by an ankle injury and limited starts, culminating in one goal and no assists across 23 appearances.
A New Chapter at Bolton Wanderers
In July 2025, Cozier-Duberry moved to League One side Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan, becoming the club’s seventh summer signing. As reported by Bolton Wanderers’ official website, Head Coach Steven Schumacher expressed strong confidence in the winger, stating:
“Amario is another exciting signing for us and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Football Club. He arrives with huge amounts of potential and the staff and I are really looking forward to working with him”.
Schumacher highlighted Cozier-Duberry’s attacking instincts and Championship experience as key reasons for the acquisition.
Cozier-Duberry’s impact was evident early. According to Daily Cannon, he completed two full 90-minute matches in League One—more than he had managed at Blackburn—and registered his first senior assist in a victory over Plymouth Argyle. His most notable moment came in the EFL Cup against Sheffield Wednesday, where he scored a long-range equaliser in stoppage time, described by Sky Sports as a “worldie”. Though Bolton lost in the penalty shootout, the goal marked a turning point in his confidence and form.
Style and Potential: Comparisons to Saka and Robben
Cozier-Duberry’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby, with his preference for cutting inside from the left wing on his stronger right foot. As noted by Wikipedia, he has cited Arjen Robben as a key inspiration, particularly admiring his “wand of a left foot” and “unstoppable cut-inside move”. Former Arsenal Under-18 coach Jack Wilshere once described him as “unplayable” in certain moments, adding,
“You give him the ball, and he can make things happen”.
His international career spans multiple youth levels. He scored on his England U16 debut against Wales, found the net twice for the U17s during Euro qualifiers, and contributed in U18 and U19 fixtures, including a goal against Switzerland U19 in a September 2024 friendly. His progression to the U20 level reflects consistent performance across age groups and growing recognition from national selectors.
What’s Next for Cozier-Duberry?
With his loan at Bolton progressing positively and his England U20 debut behind him, Cozier-Duberry is poised for further development. His ability to influence games, as demonstrated by his EFL Cup goal and consistent starts in League One, suggests he is overcoming the challenges of his first senior loan. Brighton & Hove Albion, his parent club, will be monitoring his progress closely as they assess his readiness for Premier League football.
For now, Cozier-Duberry remains focused on his development at Bolton, where he has expressed pride in joining a club with “big ambitions” and a belief in his potential. As the 2025–26 season unfolds, his performances could pave the way for future call-ups and a potential breakthrough at the highest level of English football.