There was a time not so long ago when a move abroad for an English player felt like the last resort. Rather than offering glamour, foreign leagues were viewed as a refuge for misfits. Instead of David Beckham, think Joey Barton.

But promising English youngsters are now moving overseas for first-team experience. Jadon Sancho has progressed at Borussia Dortmund since leaving Manchester City in 2017; Everton’s Ademola Lookman enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at RB Leipzig last season; and this summer Monaco pinched Jonathan Panzo, one of Chelsea’s best academy products.

Then there is John Bostock, once of Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, who has rediscovered his love for the game since leaving England disillusioned five years ago. He has had successful spells in Belgium, Turkey and France – where he is playing for Ligue 1 side Toulouse – as well as a brief loan move to Canada.

“I’ve been on a big journey and haven’t given up,” Bostock, still only 26, told Telegraph Sport. “I’m now playing in one of the best leagues in Europe, and I’ve grown as a person hugely through my experiences abroad. I’m definitely proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Bostock was tipped for greatness. He was Palace’s youngest-ever player in 2007 when he made his debut for his boyhood club aged 15.