After England’s youngsters won the UEFA Under-21 European Championships in dramatic fashion, many of the star players’ reputations will have grown massively.
The next step for many of them will be attempting to break into Gareth Southgate’s senior squad over the next few years for the EUROs and FIFA World Cup.
We’ve taken a look at the players from the winning squad most likely to be playing on the biggest stage in the world alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
Where will Victor Osimhen go? Read here for our take.
James Trafford
After his match-winning heroics in the final against Spain along with his recent move from Manchester City to Burnley, Trafford looks certain to be a part of the England senior squad in the future. Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford are all still in their prime, but Trafford is just 20-years-old and has a long career ahead of him.
Levi Colwill
Returning to Chelsea after an outstanding campaign for Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton and Hove Albion side, Colwill has been tipped as a future partner for John Stones at the heart of England’s defence. Excellent on the ball and just 20-years-old, it seems almost certain that he will be a big part of Southgate’s plans in the near future.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Following a big money move to Nottingham Forest last summer, Gibbs-White enjoyed an excellent season in midfield for Steve Coopers side and went on to continue his form for England’s U21 side. He can play in a number of positions across the midfield and with another good season in the English Premier League could find himself in with a chance of making the squad for the EUROs.
Curtis Jones
The Liverpool youngster endured a difficult season for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool but began to find his place in the team towards the end of the year, chipping in with goals and assists before excelling for the U21s. It was his goal in the final that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson looks like he will be moving on this summer which will give Jones more minutes in midfield and a better chance of breaking into the senior side over the next year.
Emile Smith Rowe
Despite having played and scored for England’s senior side over the last two years, an injury-hit season for Arsenal’s Smith Rowe meant that frequent minutes in Lee Carsley’s U21 side was essential for him getting back into form. A brilliant dribbler and excellent chance creator, Mikel Arteta’s number 10 can certainly make a late run towards the Three Lions’ squad if he plays to the best of his ability in this coming season.
Harvey Elliot
Elliot suffered a serious ankle injury just two years ago, but has made a remarkable return to form for Liverpool in the time since, with a superb display in their 7-0 demolition of Manchester United this season. At just 20, he has plenty of time to create a serious selection headache for Gareth Southgate in the next few years.
Noni Madueke
In what was a terrible season for Chelsea, Madueke appeared as one of the shining lights on the right wing towards the end of the year. After a superb performance against Germany in the tournament, he definitely has the potential to challenge the likes of Saka on the right wing for the senior side.
Which Young Lions star do you think has the best potential? Get involved in the debate on our Social Media channels!
