William Terence Lankshear (born 20 April 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Oxford United, on loan from club Tottenham Hotspur.
Lankshear was at the Arsenal Academy before joining up with Sheffield United. He agreed a scholarship contract with Sheffield United in February 2021. Lankshear was the top scorer in the division as he captained Sheffield United to the under-18 Professional Development League Division 2 title in 2021âÂÂ22. He scored 38 goals in 48 appearances for the Sheffield United age-group teams in total. Sheffield United first team manager Paul Heckingbottom described him as having "a good gift to score goals", and Sheffield United were ready to offer him a new contract. However, amid interest from Premier League club Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur agreed to pay ã2 million to Sheffield United for him on 31 August 2022, with ã1 million of the fee guaranteed and further payments thought to be performance-related bonuses. Some reports suggest the fee could rise to ã2.5 million with Heckingbottom admitting it was "a good deal" for the youngster considering they had picked him up for free only a year previously. Lankshear signed a contract with Tottenham running until the summer of 2025.
On 8 October 2022, Lankshear made his debut as a substitute for Spurs' under-18s with his team 3âÂÂ1 down against the Wolverhampton Wanderers youth side, and scored a quick-fire brace to level the match. Lankshear paid tribute to the strength and conditioning work he had undertaken since joining Tottenham Hotspur. Playing in the UEFA Youth League against Sporting Lisbon, Lankshear scored after 46 seconds.
Lankshear scored 23 goals for Tottenham's U21 team in the 2023âÂÂ24 Premier League 2 season, including a brace in the 3âÂÂ1 play-off final victory against Sunderland. His performances saw him named as the league's Player of the Season.
On 3 October 2024, Lankshear made his senior debut for Tottenham, starting a 2âÂÂ1 away win over Hungarian champions Ferencvárosi TC in the UEFA Europa League. He scored his first goal for the club on 7 November in a 3âÂÂ2 away defeat to Galatasaray in the same competition, before being sent off for receiving two yellow cards.
On 31 January 2025, Lankshear joined Championship club West Bromwich Albion on loan for the remainder of the 2024âÂÂ25 season. He made his first appearance for the club on 8 February 2025 as a substitute for Isaac Price, in a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday.
On 5 August 2025, Lankshear joined Championship side Oxford United on a season-long loan. He made his debut on the opening day of the 2025âÂÂ26 season, a 1âÂÂ0 home defeat to Portsmouth.
Lankshear scored on his debut for England U19 on 15 November 2023, in a 6âÂÂ0 win over Romania U19.
On 10 October 2024, Lankshear made his U20 debut during a 2âÂÂ1 win over Italy in Frosinone.
On 29 August 2025, Lankshear was called up to the England under-21s.
Lankshear has been described as a "poacher" who is "outstanding in front of goal".
Lankshear is reportedly a Tottenham Hotspur supporter.
Tottenham Hotspur