Charlie Cresswell says remaining in France offers the next stage of his development as Rennes prepare to visit Juventus in the Europa League. The 24-year-old defender discussed the move abroad and his England ambitions in an interview with The Guardian.
Leaving Leeds, the club he supported as a child, was a difficult decision. After limited first-team opportunities and a loan at Millwall, he joined Toulouse in 2024 to secure regular football.
Rennes bring different expectations
Cresswell started 57 of a possible 68 Ligue 1 matches across two seasons at Toulouse before joining Rennes last summer. He had opportunities to return to England but chose a club where European competition and the expectation of winning could help him improve.
Rennes have one victory and one draw from their opening Europa League games. Thursday's trip to Juventus gives Cresswell an opportunity to test himself beyond the French league and build experience in a demanding setting.
He described learning to win under pressure as an important part of the move. Rennes' ambitions towards the Champions League places were therefore a significant attraction.
England dream depends on continued development
Playing for England remains a major personal goal. Cresswell draws encouragement from English players who have received international opportunities while working abroad, but he links his own prospects to consistent performances for his club.
He also highlighted the challenge of training against Esteban Lepaul, last season's Ligue 1 leading scorer, describing the forward's sharp finishing as part of Rennes' competitive environment.
Cresswell prefers to concentrate on the next match rather than predict the team's final position. He says returning to England is not an urgent objective: his present focus is improving, enjoying the daily work and winning with Rennes.