England have often relied upon the Premier League’s Big Six to develop some of the most talented youngsters in the world, and Manchester United feature prominently in that regard.
But as the Under-19s prepare for their European Championship opener against Austria on Sunday, there will be no players representing the Red Devis United in Slovakia. Head coach Ian Foster has named a 21-man squad for the tournament with over half of the players belong to clubs who finished in the top six last season, but the England boss has opted not to select any players from the FA Youth Cup winners.
Chelsea and Liverpool have provided three players, Manchester City and Tottenham two and Arsenal have one player in the squad. Ahead of their first game of a three-match group stage against Austria on Sunday evening at the Banska Bystrica Stadium, scouts from clubs all over Europe will be watching with a keen eye to see the latest talents emerging through the ranks.
Mirror Football gives you the lowdown on the seven players who could shine for England’s youth side this summer.
Matthew Cox
It appears the Brentford stopper is first-choice in Foster’s eyes after starting their last two matches ahead of the equally talented Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Harvey Davies of Liverpool.
After starting his youth career with Chelsea, Cox joined Brentford’s B side from AFC Wimbledon in July last year and has caught the eye with some impressive performances in goal.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy
Arsenal fans have been raving about Norton-Cuffy and for good reason, with the teenager backed to become the latest Hale End graduate to make the grade at the Emirates.
The 18-year-old shone during a loan spell at League One outfit Lincoln City and could make the step up to the Championship next season.
Jarell Quansah
Currently on the books at Liverpool, Quansah has already made a Premier League squad after being selected by Jurgen Klopp for the trip to face Tottenham in December.
The centre-back, 19, is blessed with electric pace and always looks very comfortable when carrying the ball. Those two attributes make him a key pillar in England’s solid backline and an impressive display may earn him some more attention from Klopp next season.
Alfie Devine
Having already broken the record as Tottenham’s youngest player after scoring against Marine in the FA Cup, big things are expected of midfielder Devine.
The 17-year-old, a £300,000 buy from Wigan, is an intelligent passer of the ball and with seven U19 caps, he is relied upon to provide opportunities for his Spurs team-mate Dane Scarlett.
Harvey Vale
The Chelsea youngster captained England in the 2-0 win over Portugal last time out and will be looking to lead by example in Slovenia.
The left-footed forward can play anywhere across the front three or behind the striker and he will be a pivotal figure in helping England unlock defences.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
One of the few players in the squad with top-flight experience, Bynoe-Gittens, 17, recently followed in the suit of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham by making his Borussia Dortmund debut.
In their final game of the season, Bynoe-Gittens’ clever pass led to Erling Harland bundling the ball over the line, showcasing his creative ability. Expect him to be one of the contenders for player of the tournament.
Dane Scarlett
There are high hopes for Tottenham youngster Scarlett, who has been tipped to earn some minutes as Harry Kane’s deputy next season.
The 18-year-old recently penned a long-term contract with Spurs and showed his prowess in front of goal with a brace in the win over Portugal. He will lead the line for England during this tournament and will be one to watch for the Golden Boot.
