For all the setbacks and empty promises of each generation of England's rising stars, the current crop of Under 21 and 19s talent is good. So good, in fact, that Gareth Southgate’s 21s took out the European Championship title in that age division – a stark contrast to the bumbling mess dished out by the first team.
Many of these young England rising stars are fringe players at big or medium-sized English Premier League clubs. Right here and now is where they should be getting their opportunities, not languishing on the bench before four consecutive loan spells that stunt their growth.
From the technically gifted to the fearless — here are 10 of the best young footballers that might just save England and English football in the near future.
England Rising Stars: 10 Players Who Could Save The National Team
10. Joe Gomez
Photo: @SkyFootball | Twitter
At 19 years of age and 6'2", this versatile right-footed defender is a promising player coming through the ranks. Gomez was snapped up by Liverpool having impressed in the Championship for Charlton, making only 21 appearances but leaving his mark.
9. Matt Targett
Photo: @careermodepes | Twitter
Southampton Football Club enjoys a history of developing left-footed fullbacks/wingers that go on to have prosperous careers. First Gareth Bale, then Luke Shaw, now potentially Matt Targett. If he can get more game time on the South Coast it will be to England’s benefit as much as the football club.
8. Patrick Roberts
Photo: @AFC_Bam | Twitter
Potentially the best prospect of the lot given the time he will spend under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The new recruit to the Etihad arrives from Fulham where the Under 19s international caught the eye with some breathtaking performances in the Championship.
7. Reece Oxford
Photo: Shoot Football | Facebook
At 17, the sky is the limit for Reece Oxford. The teenager played a starring role in the first two games for West Ham United last season, including a dominant display at the Emirates Stadium to help secure a 2-0 win over Arsenal in central midfield. With versatility, talent and age on his side, who knows how far Oxford will go in this crazy game.
6. Ben Chilwell
Photo: Liverbird On My Chest | Facebook
Linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool respectively, the only thing holding back this 19-year old left back is games. Playing understudy to Christian Fuchs at champions Leicester City, Chilwell has the speed and agility to make a tremendous player in two-three years time.
5. Chuba Akpom
Photo: @crossthelinex_ | Twitter
Far from prolific in his goal-scoring exploits to date, Chuba Akpom’s career will go one of two ways. The Arsenal striker will either break into the first team and transition into the full England side, or be loaned out and disappear into the distance. 3Threegoals in just four Under 21s appearances demonstrates that Akpom has it within him to become a success.
4. Jordon Ibe
Photo: @odimtom | Twitter
Should he accept a $19.4 million transfer from Liverpool to Bournemouth, this flyer of a right winger will get the games he’s been so desperate to enjoy away from Anfield. At 20, Ibe could be another Walcott or Sterling type, yet with a bit of swagger and goals under his belt, he could progress a lot quicker than his fellow counterparts.
3. Tyrone Mings
Photo: @DoneDealsFutbol | Twitter
Injury crippled his introduction to EPL football last campaign, but at 23 he has time on his side. The towering 6'5" center-half is not a player to be trifled with, mixing good play on the deck with menacing physicality. Whereas Wales had Ashley Williams to rely upon in the heart of defense at the Euros, Tyrone Mings could be England’s answer to a lack of leadership at the back.
2. Demarai Gray
Photo: @England | Twitter
Seventy two games at Birmingham City made Demarai Gray a huge asset in the Championship and the Foxes won the battle to acquire the 20-year old winger last season. Should Riyad Mahrez be cashed in this summer, Gray will get his chance to shine at a Champions League club. Quite the proposition.
1. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Photo: @stadionbola | Twitter
Playing at a club where young English talent is disposed of at the first sign of trouble, Jose Mourinho thought enough of Loftus-Cheek to keep him around and even play him when results were starting to head south quickly for the Portuguese. The midfielder has size, strength, speed and agility to make him a talent of huge proportions.
But if he is not in Antonio Conte’s plans he must secure a permanent move to get first team football, or he will be lost to the system like so many of his kind.
