For once, it has been a successful summer for the England football team.
Of course, there have been no senior international competitions for football fans to sink their teeth into but there have been numerous competitions at youth level that England’s respective teams have thrived in.
The Under-20s won the World Cup for the first time ever, another U20 side won the Toulon tournament, the U19s were crowned European Champions, the U17s were European runners-up.
Even the U21s who have had suffered some dismal showings recently reached the semi-finals of the European Championship only to be cruelly denied a place in the final by Germany on penalties (obviously).
Clearly, judging by the nation’s success this summer, there are some elite talents rising through Premier League academies at present but who can make that final step up into their respective club’s first teams next season?
Here are ten youngsters who deserve some first-team action in the top-flight next term.
Lewis Baker (Chelsea)
Age: 22
Position: Centre midfield
While the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kasey Palmer and Tammy Abraham have been loaned and Nathaniel Chalobah sold, Lewis Baker was selected to go on Chelsea’s pre-season tour.
Baker may yet become the latest player to move to another Premier League on loan or permanently, but the signs are promising if he has been included in Antonio Conte’s plans.
A technically gifted two-footed central midfield player who contributed 11 goals in the Eredivisie last season, Baker is at an age where he needs playing time in the Premier League, at Chelsea or elsewhere.
Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)
Age: 17
Position: Winger
A jet-heeled winger who excels in one-on-one duels, Reiss Nelson is regarded as the most exciting academy product to come through Arsenal’s ranks in some time and has impressed in pre-season.
Nelson, who is comfortable playing on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, is a box of tricks who thrives when he has the ball at his feet and space to run in to.
At 17 it would be some effort to force his way into Arsenal’s first-team squad but Nelson could be in line to make a few cameo appearances from the bench towards the end of the season.
Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham)
Age: 20
Position: Right back
Tottenham earned £50m from Kyle Walker’s sale to Manchester City meaning there is a space open in Spurs’ squad for a right-back.
Should Mauricio Pochettino decide against signing competition for Kieran Trippier from elsewhere the path will be clear for Kyle Walker-Peters to make the step-up from U21 football.
Walker-Peters impressed during England U20s World Cup win at left back but he is far more of an attacking threat on his favoured right side and he could surprise people next year.
Axel Tuanzebe (Manchester United)
Age: 19
Position: Centre Back
Jose Mourinho chucked Axel Tuanzebe in at the deep end towards the end of the 2016-17 campaign, handing him his debut out of position at right back against Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates.
The United academy graduate passed that test with flying colours and started the next three league games as Mourinho prioritised winning Europa League ahead of securing a top four finish.
Strong, powerful, accomplished on the ball and versatile, Tuanzebe appears the best placed United youngster to make an impact under Mourinho.
Dominic Solanke (Liverpool)
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba, Dominic Solanke; what do they all have in common? They have all been awarded the U20 World Cup Golden Ball, of course.
Solanke was England’s talisman in South Korea top-scoring with four goals and he has carried that form into pre-season for his new club Liverpool, scoring an outstanding goal during their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
With Roberto Firmino more of a false 9 than striker and Daniel Sturridge in and out of Jurgen Klopp’s plans, Solanke might be given first-team opportunities at Anfield this term.
Jonjoe Kenny (Everton)
Age: 20
Position: Right back
Another member of the U20 World Cup squad, Jonjoe Kenny was one of five Evertonian’s in the squad but he was the best of the lot, rampaging forward from right-back to provide two assists.
Ronald Koeman has embarked on an ambitious summer spending spree but with the exception of Cuco Martina, who has surely been signed as a backup, he has neglected to replace the injured Seamus Coleman.
The start of the season could be Kenny’s time to shine.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Age: 17
Position: Centre midfield
“It’s a long time since I saw something like this. His performance was another level. He’s 17-years-old, he’s a City player, he grew up in the academy, he loves the club, he’s a City fan and for us, he’s a gift,” said Pep Guardiola after Phil Foden’s debut.
Thrown into an emotionally charged Manchester derby against the most expensive player in the world, Paul Pogba, Foden exuded confidence and composure from central midfield.
Quite remarkably, he completed 95% of his passes and created three chances against virtually a full-strength United side. The heir to David Silva’s throne, perhaps?
Lewis Cook (Bournemouth)
Age: 20
Position: Centre midfield
England U20s inspirational captain at the World Cup, Lewis Cook will be looking to kick on at Bournemouth following a frustrating injury-riddled debut campaign on the south coast.
Jack Wilshere’s return to Arsenal should help Cook establish himself in Eddie Howe’s first-team and he possesses similar qualities to the ex-Bournemouth loanee.
An excellent passer of the ball who looks to drive forward at any opportunity, Cook is an exceptional talent who deserves first-team minutes.
Josh Tymon (Stoke City)
Age: 18
Position: Left back
Hull City may have dropped down to the Championship but Josh Tymon has earned a move back to the Premier League despite making just five appearances in the top-flight.
An attack-minded full-back, Tymon was linked with a host of top clubs meaning he represents something of a coup for Mark Hughes’ side.
He will start out as Erik Pieters’ understudy but due to his qualities going forward he will certainly put pressure on the dependable Dutchman.
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