Charlie Cresswell Sets Rennes Europa League Target Ahead of Juventus Trip
Charlie Cresswell has set Rennes an uncompromising Europa League target before Thursday’s trip to Juventus, insisting the French side should not restrict their ambitions as he chases an England breakthrough.
The 24-year-old centre-back, on loan at Rennes, says winning in Europe is central to his development and believes strong form abroad can put him on the senior international radar.
Rennes target European progress
Rennes have collected four points from their opening two Europa League matches without defeat, giving Cresswell confidence before Matchday 3 in Turin. The Juventus fixture is set to be the biggest occasion of his club career, following notable Ligue 1 displays including a strong outing against Paris Saint-Germain.
Cresswell, a twice-crowned European champion with England Under-21s, said Rennes must approach the competition without imposing a ceiling on what they can achieve.
“We should not set limits,” he said. “We can say that we can win it.”
He added that playing for England remains his overriding ambition. Cresswell pointed to Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah and Como’s Trevoh Chalobah as examples that performances outside England can earn a player international consideration.
“Playing for my country has always been my biggest dream,” Cresswell said. “If you are doing well abroad, there is hope that they will look at you and give you an opportunity.”
From Leeds exit to Rennes move
- Cresswell left his boyhood club Leeds in 2024 after making 14 first-team appearances.
- He joined Toulouse in search of regular football and became a key starter, beginning 57 of a possible 68 Ligue 1 games across two seasons.
- Brighton explored a possible move last summer, but Cresswell chose Rennes after discussions with his partner.
- Rennes signed him on loan in the summer of 2026 under an initial €2.5 million agreement, with a mandatory permanent transfer next year worth €22.5m plus add-ons.
The defender had supported Leeds from the age of eight and had been with the club since he was 10. He described leaving Elland Road as the hardest call of his career, but felt he could not remain without match action at 20.
“Leaving England was frightening,” he said. “I loved Leeds, but I had no games and I needed to play.”
Rennes was familiar territory in one sense. Former Leeds players Raphinha, Joe Rodon and Glen Kamara have all represented the club, while former England Under-21 teammate Djed Spence also had a spell there.
Focus stays on the next match
Cresswell says the move was not made as a route back to English football. He wanted a club where he could keep improving while learning how to handle the expectation of winning under pressure.
“I am here to work and to win,” he said. “I am not looking at this as a move before going back.”
Rather than considering where Rennes might finish or where his own future could lie in 10 months, Cresswell is concentrating on training, the next opponent and the matchday experience with supporters.
A commanding performance against Juventus would strengthen both Rennes’ European position and Cresswell’s case for a first England senior call-up.
