As football leagues across Europe resume, new talents will have the opportunity to shine on the big stage. Among them, several English U21 internationals already stand out for their skill, potential, and ability to perform at the highest level. Here’s a closer look at five of them in this first part.
Callum Doyle: Experience Beyond His Years
Callum Doyle, currently on loan from Manchester City to Norwich City, is one of the centre-backs to keep a close eye on this season. Despite being only 20 years old, he has already played over 120 senior matches. He made a name for himself with England’s youth teams, notably during the triumphant 2022 U19 European Championship, where he scored in the final, helping his team secure a 3-1 victory.
Following impressive loan spells in the Championship with Sunderland and Coventry City, where he played a key role in Coventry’s run to the play-off final, Doyle has demonstrated remarkable maturity for his age undoubtedly shaped by his extensive experience in professional football.
A modern defender, Doyle is comfortable playing as a left-sided centre-back and even as a left-back when needed. His ability to build from the back and distribute the ball cleanly makes him a valuable asset for Norwich, a team that favours possession-based football and has ambitions of returning to the Premier League this season.
This year could be a crucial turning point for him, as he aims to establish himself as a key starter in the Championship after missing three months last season due to a knee injury. If he enjoys a full, injury-free season, he could attract serious interest from Premier League clubs.
Standing at 1.90m, Doyle is also a threat on set pieces. This season, he has played every minute so far and already registered an assist. If his progress continues, Manchester City may consider reintegrating him into their first-team squad next season or facilitating a move to a top-tier club.
Morgan Rogers: A Future Senior England International?
Signed by Aston Villa last January for under £10 million, Morgan Rogers has quickly become a key player under Unai Emery. At just 21 years old, he has displayed immense potential at both club and international levels. His recent performance for England U21s, where he scored a brace against Austria, showcased his finishing ability and impact in the final third.
However, it was his display against Arsenal at the start of the season that truly put him in the spotlight. Rogers dominated midfield, outplaying experienced opponents like Thomas Partey and dictating the tempo of the game, catching the attention of numerous analysts and scouts.
Versatile and explosive, Rogers can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or second striker, but his best position is just behind the main forward. His impressive performances and consistent playing time having completed every match this season—are fueling speculation about a potential senior call-up. England manager Lee Carsley, who previously coached him at U21 level, is a strong admirer of his talent.
With England’s next international fixtures scheduled for October 10 and 13, Rogers will face stiff competition for a call-up, but his rise to prominence makes him a genuine contender for the squad.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens: Dortmund’s Latest English Gem
First, it was Jadon Sancho, then Jude Bellingham, and now it’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. These three players all made the bold decision to leave England at a young age in pursuit of development abroad, with all three landing at Borussia Dortmund.
Born in Reading, Bynoe-Gittens joined Manchester City’s academy in 2018, but in 2020, at just 16 years old, he opted for a move to Germany. Unfortunately, a series of injuries including a serious ankle ligament issue and multiple shoulder injuries—hampered his progress. However, his performances at the start of the season suggest he is ready to make his mark.
A rapid, skilful left-winger, Bynoe-Gittens showcased his ability on Matchday 1 of the Bundesliga, scoring a stunning brace against Eintracht Frankfurt.
His first goal saw him breeze past a defender before curling a shot into the top corner. The second, scored in stoppage time, began with a perfectly executed turn that left his marker behind before he accelerated past defenders and slotted home—his first career double.
Already a Champions League goalscorer, Bynoe-Gittens will have further opportunities to shine in the competition this season. With nine caps for England U21s, a senior call-up could be on the horizon if he continues his impressive form.
Archie Gray: Continuing a Family Legacy
Born in 2006, Archie Gray is only 18 years old, yet he has already completed a full season in the Championship, one of the most physically demanding and competitive leagues in Europe.
A Leeds United academy product, Gray joined the club at just eight years old and quickly progressed through the ranks. At 15, he was already on the bench for a Premier League fixture. Then, on August 6, 2023, he made his full debut, and by the end of the season, he had started 44 of 46 league matches, playing the full 90 minutes in most of them.
His remarkable consistency earned him the title of Championship Young Player of the Season, attracting interest from several top clubs. Ultimately, Tottenham Hotspur secured his signature for just over £40 million, with the promise of developing him into a Premier League star.
Currently a substitute at Spurs, he has already made substitute appearances in the first two league games. An England U21 international, Gray aspires to break into the senior national team this year, though competition in midfield Bellingham, Rice, Mainoo, Gomes, and others is fierce.
His versatility, allowing him to play as a central midfielder or right-back (his primary position last season), could boost his chances of fulfilling the Gray family legacy his father, grandfather, and great-uncle all played at the highest level for Leeds United and Scotland.
Tyler Dibling: The New Staplewood Prodigy
Whether playing as a left-winger, right-winger, second striker, or attacking midfielder, Tyler Dibling can operate across all attacking positions for Southampton. However, his preferred role is as a right-sided attacking midfielder, similar to Cole Palmer.
Two years ago, he was often on the bench in the Premier League, but with Southampton’s relegation, he seized the opportunity to make his professional debut at just 18 years old.
Currently a Championship substitute, he has consistently made appearances off the bench, impressing with his technical skill and attacking initiative. He frequently drops deep to collect the ball, driving it forward into the final third to create opportunities.
This season, he made a strong start in the League Cup, registering two assists in Southampton’s 5-3 win over Cardiff City.
A current England U19 international, the Exeter-born Dibling could soon earn a place in the U21 squad—a crucial step towards a potential senior call-up in the coming years.
Next 5 in : The Ten English youth Internationals to Watch This Season (2/2)
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