Are we in the middle of a new golden generation for English football talent? It certainly seems that way considering the array of rising stars who are dazzling the beautiful game right now.
Of course, that bodes well for the England national team, and not only for their participation at the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 - which are already some of the hottest sporting event tickets people are searching for at Zenseats.
England boss Gareth Southgate isn’t afraid of blooding young talents at major tournaments, having already done so in the past with some of the brightest individuals. But looking further ahead to the future, the Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of emerging players, several of whom could become key components for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Narrowing down the list of these rising talents is quite challenging, although thankfully, many have already made their mark in the Premier League, apart from just one special case showcasing his fantastic ability in Spain’s LaLiga.
Young Talents Of English Football 2024
Now, let’s take a look at our very own ‘Famous Five’ selection of rising stars, each blessed with the skills and abilities to enjoy amazing football careers.
Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United
While the club itself is famed for the consistent production of emerging talents, often sourced via scouting practically every corner of the globe, local scouting continues to unearth valuable gems. Kobbie Mainoo certainly fits into that category, having made his senior first team debut at the tender age of just 17 in October 2022 in the EFL Cup.
Mainoo made his first Premier League appearance in February 2023. So impressed was the manager Erik ten Hag with the progress being made, the youngster from Stockport was included in the Manchester United squad that toured the USA last summer. Despite an injury setback, the now 18-year-old midfielder has become a permanent fixture in the United squad.
Versatile in terms of positioning and his contribution across the pitch, Mainoo has already been lauded for his passing range, vision, calmness under pressure and overall stability he brings to the midfield.
“He looks like a United player. Nice and brave. Lots of courage,” said iconic former midfield general Roy Keane, who reckons that Mainoo has a brilliant future ahead of him.
Rico Lewis – Manchester City
After making his breakthrough at Manchester City during the 2022-23 season, Rico Lewis hasn’t looked back. While some youngsters need time to adapt, this lad took to the pressures of playing first team football like a duck to water, proving that youth coaches at the club were right to insist upon his promotion to the senior squad.
Pep Guardiola was immediately impressed, following key performances. “18 years old. I have been a manager for 14 or 15 years, training unbelievable players… He is one of the best I have ever trained by far,” said the Spaniard last year. High praise indeed, considering how many wonderful talents Guardiola has worked with over the years.
Able to operate equally comfortably at full-back or in the beating heart of the City midfield, outstanding club performances quickly elevated the profile of Lewis, receiving his first call-up to the senior England national team in November 2023. He debuted with a strong display in the match against North Macedonia, and is widely expected to be part of the Euro 2024 squad.
James Trafford - Burnley
Historically, England has had a strong reputation for producing world-class goalkeepers. Although during the last decade or so, the top-level quality and reliability of those men between the posts has been cast in doubt. Nevertheless, 21-year-old James Trafford at Burnley could be the next great shot-stopper for club and country.
Hailing originally from Cockermouth in Cumbria, Trafford attempted to make his breakthrough at Manchester City as a youngster. However, he enjoyed the opportunity to shine in League One, first with Accrington Stanley, then two loan spells at Bolton Wanderers. Quality performances encouraged Burnley to invest £15 million in his signing, where he has become first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League and has genuinely excelled.
After becoming the first goalie to keep clean sheets in every match during the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, it’s fair to say that Trafford has deservedly earned his growing reputation. When observing his exceptional agility and reflexes, plus the pin-point distribution, it’s surely just a matter of time before the senior England debut comes.
Levi Colwill - Chelsea
While the last couple of seasons have been far below expectations for Chelsea, there are some bright spots when it comes to the emergence of certain talents. In this regard, outstanding young talent Levi Colwill can certainly stand proud, given the central defender has become something of a revelation.
Part of the superb rearguard that stopped England conceding any goals through the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the form and confidence displayed by Colwill is akin to that of a vastly experienced veteran player. An impressive loan spell at Brighton also helped to hone his talents, before becoming a key player in the Chelsea for the 2023/24 campaign.
Indeed, so impressive has been his individual form and consistency, regardless of the current doldrums that Chelsea have been experiencing as a team, Colwill earned his first senior England cap in the friendly match against Australia last year at Wembley. Given his quality and level of performance, Colwill must surely be in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024.
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Okay, so we might be cheating a little to call Jude Bellingham a rising star, but regardless of his phenomenal talent and achievements already, this young man from Stourbridge still hasn’t celebrated his 21st birthday. Now he’s playing at one of the biggest and most famous football clubs on the planet.
Although the term itself is often overused, it’s quite fair to say that Bellingham is already ‘World Class’ when it comes to his talent and potential. That’s undoubtedly why Spanish giants Real Madrid splashed the cash, snapping him up from Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, spending more than £114m to secure his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bellingham is certainly repaying that investment, having taken to Spanish football with aplomb. While he may struggle a little with the local language, that really doesn’t matter so much when he can let his outstanding skill and consistency on the pitch do the talking. He will also be a central figure in England’s upcoming Euro 2024 campaign, without any doubt.
