In October, England won the U17 World Cup and the winners have now set the spotlights on their future careers for years to come. Some of these players such as Phil Foden, Angel Gomes, Jadon Sancho, and Rhian Brewster are being touted as the next big things in football. Is it hype? Or is it actually true?

The four players mentioned above also play for three of the biggest teams in English football, and one of them now plays for the second biggest team in Germany. With Foden at Manchester City, Gomes at Manchester United, Brewster at Livepool, and Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, all these players are at teams who specialise in youth development.

Two of them have already made senior appearances in the past 12 months with Gomes and Sancho briefly featuring for their respective clubs. Brewster and Foden are still waiting for their senior debut’s, but in the case of Foden, Man City Manager Pep Guardiola is starting to try and integrate him into the team.

“He [Foden] trains with us every single day. He’s just 17 but he is a player in our squad. He’s in the locker room every day with the guys – it’s the best way to learn from the experienced guys that have played at a high level.” – Pep Guardiola on Phil Foden.

Could these four youngsters be starting for England at the World Cup and Euros in a few years time? It wouldn’t be a surprise.

Rhian Brewster

Rhian Brewster is a 5’8″ striker with great technique, speed, and set-piece skills. At only 17, Brewster is already playing for the Liverpool U23’s this year and has scored three goals and registered four assists in six games.

His play-style is eerily similar to United star Marcus Rashford. With Brewster also being able to play at a high level as the lone forward, or as a second striker.

Angel Gomes

Angel Gomes is a 5’5″ advanced midfielder who plays as either an ‘8’ or a ’10’ depending on the formation being used. Gomes is particularly known for his playmaking abilities, technique, and dribbling ability.

Gomes is still playing for the Man Utd U18’s, but is showing how good he is in the UEFA Youth League, Scroing twice with one assist in three games. Gomes’ play-style is very similar to Man City superstar, David Silva. They both play very similar in both roles and are known for their dribbling and playmaking.

“I’ve been here since the age of six, working my way up and it’s what everyone dreams about. I just want to thank the manager for putting me on the bench and playing me today, and all the staff back at the club and everyone who has helped me. I’m from Manchester, Salford and it’s literally down the road. It’s just unbelievable.”

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho is a 5’9″ left winger who recently joined the Borussia Dortmund senior team after leaving Man City in the Summer. Sancho is the prototypical inside-forward who is easily able to beat his defenders with his sheer pace and dribbling.

His finishing is a work in progress still but he’s already scored twice in the UEFA Youth League, and has already made appearances for the senior team. Sancho’s play-style is similar to ex-teammate, Raheem Sterling with his superb wing-play.

Phil Foden

Phil Foden is a 5’6″ advanced playmaker who primarily plays as the ’10’, but can also play on the right-wing and as an ‘8’. The boy from Stockport already has thousands of admirers (writer included), after his amazing performances in the U17 World Cup final, and in preseason for Man City. He is known for his finishing, playmaking, and ambidextrous play.

Foden already plays for the City U23s and in the UEFA Youth League in which he has three goals and three assists in six games. His playstyle is very similar to Kevin De Bruyne when he played in a more advanced role. His ability to play with both feet, shoot, and playmake are trademarks of the Belgian star and can also be seen in Foden’s game.

The Next Golden Generation?

All four of these players play in positions that will be crucial to the future of England. With England desperately lacking playmaking and creativity in their senior squad, all of these players thrive in those traits and could make huge impacts for the squad.

Give it a few years (2020 perhaps?) and England could have four new superstars in their team ready to give the England fans something to sing about.

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