8 best breakthrough English talents in contention for Euro 2021 spots

Today we are going to be looking at some of England's finest young players that are yet to make their senior debut for the Three Lions. Although, a few may make their debuts tonight against Iceland. The postponement of Euro 2020 to next summer has been devastating for football fans around the world, however, for some it provides an opportunity to impress next season and break into the England squad in time for Euro 2021. 

England stalwarts Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane have also benefitted from this postponement as they would've been injured and missed out on this season's Euros. Similarly, the following 8 young players have all had brilliant breakthrough seasons for their respective clubs in the Premier League and if they keep up this solid form they are certain to receive their first call-ups from Gareth Southgate and England's senior national team. 

Goalkeepers: 

Dean Henderson

The Red Devil's keeper has had an amazing breakthrough Premier League campaign on loan with Sheffield United in the 2019/20 season. He has been a brick wall at the back, keeping 13 clean sheets in 36 games, his defensive solidity helping Sheffield to a solid 9th in their first season since promotion to the Premier League. Having recently signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United he's looking to compete with David de Gea for the no.1 spot in the coming season and if he's successful will surely be Southgate's top option for the England goalkeeping position at Euro 2021.

Aaron Ramsdale

Although Bournemouth were relegated last season, it was not for lack of effort by young Ramsdale, who was largely left disappointed by the inconsistencies of the defenders in front of him. He ranked 3rd in the Premier League for saves last season and is certainly one to watch for the future. He is set to transfer to Sheffield United, taking Henderson's spot there as he moves back to Manchester United. If he can keep up his top performances he may break into the England squad next summer.

Defenders:

Mason Holgate

Towering at 6 feet tall, Mason Holgate has been a rock at the back for Everton, having made 65 Premier League appearances for them since he joined, mostly playing as a centre-half. Surprisingly, he also achieved 3 assists last season and makes 39 passes per game on average. He's still yet to become one of their star players but I reckon next season will be the one for Holgate who has caught Southgate's eye as one England's future starting centre-backs.

Max Aarons

The dynamic full-back played 36 of 38 Premier League games for Norwich last season despite only being 20 years old. Despite Norwich's relegation last season, Aarons was one of their best players and has been linked with the likes of PSG, Tottenham and Bayern Munich. If Aarons can secure one of these big moves he will undoubtedbly be in the England squad come Euro 2021.

Midfielders:

Phil Foden

The understudy of De Bruyne at Manchester City, Foden is a product of City's academy and has been allowed minutes this season under Pep Guardiola to refine his skills. He plays as a dynamic box-to-box centre mid or as a creative no.10 just behind the striker. Given the departure of David Silva, it is likely that Foden will become a mainstay in the City first team for many years to come. 5 goals and 2 assists last season has led to this young midfield maestro being granted his senior debut tonight against Iceland in the Nations League. Watch out.

Jack Grealish

Linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, Grealish can play on the left-wing or as a central attacking midfielder. It is without a doubt that Aston Villa would not have remained in the Prem without Grealish. The star man registered 8 goals and 6 assists to guide Villa to safety last season and like Foden, could potentially make his England debut tonight as he's been named on the bench vs Iceland.

Forwards:

Mason Greenwood

He's enjoyed a meteoric rise last season in a stellar campaign that saw him becoming one of the youngest players to ever score 10 goals in the Prem at 18 years of age or younger. Known for his deadly instinct and precision, Greenwood has also been named on the bench against Iceland tonight. His success next season will largely depend on whether United sign Jadon Sancho or not, as if the deal doesn't pull through, it would allow Greenwood to develop his proficiency in the starting XI and challenge Kane for the Euro 2021 striker spot. If you haven't already, check out this article on him: https://footballthenextgeneration.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-rise-of-manchester-united-starlet.html

Dominic Calvert Lewin

Having struggled for games in previous seasons, DCL was Everton's main threat up front last season, finding the back of the net 13 times in the Premier League, nearly 30% of Everton's entire goal output. He has a good all-round strikers game and can finish with both feet and his head. Definitely one to watch out for, if he can build on his existing impact at Everton he's well in contention for a spot in England's squad for Euro 2021.

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Kevin @ Football: The Next Generation