As football leagues resume across Europe, new talents will have the opportunity to emerge on the big stage. Among them, several English prospects are already standing out for their talent, potential, and ability to shine under the spotlight. After covering the first five in a previous article, here’s a look at the next five rising stars.
Mikey Moore: Ange Postecoglou’s Protégé
12 caps with England U17s, 10 goals. At just 17, he has already made his U19 debut and stood out with his technical prowess, despite facing opponents up to two years older. During the U17 Euros earlier this year, he was one of the tournament’s standout players, finishing as the second-top scorer despite playing only four matches. His dribbling skills and technical sharpness in the final third were particularly evident, as showcased in his match against France.
Tottenham’s Mikey Moore was in excellent form for England last night against France pic.twitter.com/HFHqoKt8NT
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) May 22, 2024
A Tottenham Hotspur player since before the age of 10, Moore has quickly climbed the ranks. In the 2022-2023 season, he was part of Spurs’ U17 side that won multiple trophies, featured for the U18s, played in the UEFA Youth League with the U19s, and became one of the youngest players to debut for the U21s at just 15. On May 14, 2024, Moore made his senior debut in a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City, becoming Tottenham’s youngest-ever Premier League player at 16 years and 277 days, breaking Dane Scarlett’s record.
Impressed by the youngster during pre-season, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said: “The plan is to keep him with the first team and allow him to continue his development. He will also have opportunities with the U21s. Last year, he missed a significant portion of the season due to injuries, so I believe being around the first team will give him the chance to play more matches.”
Jobe Bellingham: Not Just Jude’s Brother
Yes, he is Jude Bellingham’s younger brother, but defining him solely that way would be unfair, given his immense talent. Born in Birmingham’s suburbs, Jobe followed his older brother’s path by coming through Birmingham City’s academy. However, their career trajectories diverged when Jude moved to Borussia Dortmund, while Jobe signed for Sunderland.
His first season in the Championship was a resounding success: he started 45 out of 46 matches, accumulating 3,645 minutes out of a possible 4,140. Playing as an attack-minded central midfielder just like Jude he has already racked up 73 Championship appearances at just 18. This season, under new manager Régis Le Bris, he has continued as a regular starter, playing every minute of Sunderland’s first four games and registering an assist. His performances helped Sunderland secure four wins in four games, making them the early leaders in the second tier of English football.
His impressive form has drawn interest from several top European clubs including Real Madrid. Jude himself revealed in a YouTube interview how his younger brother caught Carlo Ancelotti’s attention after scoring a brace against Rotherham last season: “I remember when my brother Jobe scored twice for Sunderland, we were watching the game, and Ancelotti said: ‘Damn, we signed the wrong Bellingham! I’m going to bring him here.’ I asked him, ‘Where are you going to play him?’ and Carlo replied: ‘In your position!’”
Now an England U20 international and a key player for a promotion-chasing Sunderland side, Jobe Bellingham’s performances could soon earn him a call-up to the U21s and further interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
Ethan Nwaneri: The Opportunity of a Lifetime
His highlight reels tell you everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri. The youngest player ever to feature in a Premier League match on September 18, 2022, against Brentford, aged just 15 years and 181 days Nwaneri has since continued his development in Arsenal’s U18 and U21 squads, as well as in the UEFA Youth League.
Whether deployed as an attacking midfielder or a right winger, his ability to take on defenders and his deadly left foot, which he uses to curl precise shots, make him a nightmare for opponents. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is well aware of his potential, which is why Nwaneri has been named on the bench for all three of Arsenal’s league matches so far this season unlike last season, when he was only included in the squad twice and made just one brief appearance.
The recent injury to Martin Ødegaard, which will sideline the Norwegian for a few weeks, could give Nwaneri a golden chance to earn more game time or even his first senior start. Rapidly progressing through England’s youth ranks, he has already made 22 starts for the U17s and recently debuted for the U19s.
With a tough fixture list ahead (Tottenham, Manchester City, and the opening rounds of the Champions League), Nwaneri’s potential inclusion in the starting lineup could be a pivotal moment in his career. Should he seize the opportunity, he could follow in the footsteps of Kobbie Mainoo, who broke into Manchester United’s first team last season.
Chris Rigg: The Definition of a Prodigy
How many players can claim to be regular starters in the most physically demanding league at just 17 years old? Only one: Chris Rigg.
Born just 15 kilometers from Sunderland, Rigg was given his senior debut at 15 in the FA Cup, making him one of the club’s youngest-ever first-team players. Over the course of the 2023-2024 season, he became a genuine option for then-manager Tony Mowbray, who trusted him with significant playing time despite his young age.
As a central midfielder, Rigg compensates for his relatively slender physique (1.77m and still developing) with excellent positional awareness and the ability to dictate the tempo of a match. He scored twice last season and, while he has yet to find the net this term, he has cemented his place in Régis Le Bris’s starting XI.
If he stays injury-free, he could be one of the key figures in Sunderland’s push for promotion back to the Premier League, attracting interest from top-tier clubs in the process.
James Trafford: The Long-Awaited Goalkeeper
At just 21, James Trafford is already considered one of England’s most promising goalkeepers, thanks to both his talent and imposing stature. Standing at 1.97m, he physically outmatches his competitors, towering over England’s current goalkeeping options Jordan Pickford (1.85m) and Aaron Ramsdale (1.91m). His height is a major asset, making him a dominant presence in aerial duels.
Trafford gained widespread attention during the 2023 U21 Euros, where he was instrumental in England’s triumph. Not only did he play a key role in securing the title, but he also set a record by not conceding a single goal throughout the tournament. From the group stage to the final against Spain, he produced numerous decisive saves, including a crucial penalty stop and a quick double save in the dying moments of the final, securing a 1-0 victory. Nicknamed “The Wall of Trafford” and “Young Trafford” by England fans, his performances attracted widespread interest.
James Trafford’s 99th minute penalty save to win England the U21 European Championships.
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) July 8, 2023
A hero! 🏴👏 pic.twitter.com/nRvkKChLv8
Off the back of his U21 Euros heroics, Trafford joined Burnley for the 2023-2024 season a move met with high expectations. However, his debut Premier League campaign proved challenging, as Burnley struggled against top-tier opposition. Despite occasional errors, inevitable for a young goalkeeper, he showed signs of growth and maturity.
Though he rarely kept clean sheets due to Burnley’s defensive struggles, Trafford consistently displayed his shot-stopping ability. His combination of height, quick reflexes, and confidence in the air makes him a formidable presence in goal.
Now in the Championship, he has started the season well with two wins, one draw, and one loss (against Sunderland), positioning Burnley sixth in their bid for an immediate Premier League return.
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