The talented English teenagers ready to set the world alight
Things are pretty good for English football right now all things considered.
The seniors have won back the nations’ hearts following their performances in Russia this summer, the country’s first semi-final since 1990.
Exciting sure, but the kids coming though could be about to make things very interesting indeed.
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According to many within the game, never have a batch of youngsters caused this much animation. When two years ago a root and branch examination of English football was being called for after Euro failure, now it seems we’re getting things very right.
But who are these boy wonders that have done so well with the under-20s and under-17s all achieving on the world stage?
Let’s meet them as Yahoo Sport picks out the ten teenagers you will be hearing a lot about in the years ahead.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)
Chelsea are said to be reluctant to let the 17-year-old join their long list of loanees, and that speaks volumes for how good he is.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are reported to be circling, the lightning-quick forward has a lot to learn according to Blues coach Jody Morris but huge things are expected.
Angel Gomes (Manchester United)
When you know Jose Mourinho hasn’t exactly got a history of blooding youngsters, it tells you all you need to know that Gomes got the nod aged just 16 in the Premier League.
Manchester United aren’t producing enough home-grown talent and Old Trafford bosses know it. Gomes is expected to change all that.
Marcus Edwards (Tottenham)
Spurs have a number of young players already coming through. Kyle Walker-Peters and Harry Winks are involved, but Edwards is seen as the best of them all.
The prodigiously talented attacking midfielder is expected to join them in the first team before too long.
Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
In terms of teenagers already producing, few come close to Ryan Sessegnon. He electrified the Championship and showed incredible maturity in front of 85,000 at Wembley, even setting up Fulham’s winner – a £200m goal.
Next it’s the Premier League. He’s turned 18 and he’s expected to shine.
Rhian Brewster (Liverpool)
The Golden Boot winner at the U17 2017 World Cup as England triumphed in India, the question is when will Liverpool unleash the 18-year-old on the senior football world.
They may want to get a move on. Juventus and Paris Saint Germain are watching closely, but the Londoner is in no hurry. He’s trained already with the first team and involvement is expected before long.
Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
If England are going to play with three central-defenders going forward, then Gareth Southgate needs as many quick ball-playing centre-halves as possible.
Chalobah is said to be one of the most impressive teenage defenders in European football. One to watch.
Ademola Lookman (Everton)
We’ve been crafty here here. Lookman has just turned 20 but never mind, he makes the top ten teenagers list by default.
They say you can never read anything into pre-season and that couldn’t be demonstrated any better than Everton’s 22-0 whitewash of hopeless ATV Irdning. He scored a hat-trick and surely will be more at peace under Marco Silva than Sam Allardyce.
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Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Another star of England’s U17 World Cup triumph, could City’s high hope solve the Three Lions’ creativity issue?
With ten senior appearances already in a star-studded midfield, Pep Guardiola clearly sees something. His progress is being watched.
Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Frank Lampard has called in a favour and Derby County look set to be looking after one of Chelsea’s treasured possessions next season.
After setting the Eredivisie alight on loan with Vitesse Arnhem, it’s next stop the Championship for the 19-year-old midfielder they’re all talking about in west London.
Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
According the Sky Sports, Gareth Southgate is a huge fan of Sancho. Respecting the risk he took by walking away from Manchester City to play, he’s shone in Germany after becoming a flag-bearer for young English players to go abroad.
Rumour has it we may be seeing him in England’s next squad in September.