England’s success in reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals can be attributed, in part, to the strong English Football League (EFL) background of many players in the squad. Out of the 26-man squad selected by manager Gareth Southgate, 19 players have played in the EFL at some point in their careers. This demonstrates the importance of the EFL as a breeding ground for young talent.
One player who benefited greatly from his time in the EFL is goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Before establishing himself at Everton and becoming England’s number one, Pickford had four loan spells with EFL clubs while waiting for his breakthrough at Sunderland. He credits these loan spells as crucial in his development, saying, “For me, it was the best thing I could ever do, going out on loan at a young age and develop.” He believes that playing in the EFL prepared him for the challenges of playing for top clubs like Sunderland, Everton, and eventually England.
Another player with a strong EFL background is Kyle Walker. The Manchester City right-back played his first senior games for League One side Northampton during a loan spell from Sheffield United. Walker describes this experience as a reality check that taught him valuable lessons about the dedication and professionalism required to succeed in football. He acknowledges the financial pressures some lower-league players face and appreciates the opportunities he had to grow as a player during his time in the EFL.
Kieran Trippier, currently playing for Newcastle United, also had his beginnings in the EFL. After failing to break into Manchester City’s first team, Trippier had loan spells with Barnsley before joining Burnley permanently. His former youth boss at Burnley, Michael Duff, recalls Trippier’s initial struggles with his diet and lack of professionalism. However, under the guidance of manager Sean Dyche, Trippier transformed into a model professional who lives his life right both on and off the field. This transformation highlights the importance of the EFL in shaping players’ attitudes and work ethic.
John Stones, now a key defender for Manchester City, started his career at Barnsley’s academy at the age of seven. He made his debut for Barnsley at the age of 17 before moving to Everton and eventually Manchester City. Stones reflects on the challenges he faced as a young player, including being dropped down an age group and doubts about his physicality. However, he came back stronger after a summer of growth and credits the EFL for playing a crucial role in his development.
The EFL has also played a significant role in the development of younger talents like Marc Guehi. The center-back had loan spells with Swansea from Chelsea before joining Crystal Palace permanently. Guehi acknowledges that his time in the EFL was not without its challenges, including being away from home and facing difficult moments. However, he believes that these experiences have made him stronger and better prepared to overcome future obstacles.
Ezri Konsa, now playing for Aston Villa, had a similar experience. He began his career at Charlton at the age of 11 and made over 70 appearances for the club before moving to Brentford and eventually Aston Villa. Konsa attributes his development to the coaches at Charlton who helped him progress to the next level. He expresses gratitude for the opportunities he had at Brentford and Villa, which allowed him to continue his growth as a player.
Jude Bellingham, currently playing for Real Madrid, had a notable spell at Birmingham City before his move to Germany. Bellingham spent a decade at Birmingham, making his senior debut at the age of 16. He credits Birmingham for shaping him as a player and expresses gratitude for the club’s support throughout his early years. Bellingham’s impact was so significant that Birmingham retired his number 22 shirt, a testament to his importance to the club.
Harry Kane, England and Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscorer, had a less glamorous start to his career. He had loan spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, and Leicester before breaking through at Tottenham. Kane’s former teammate at Leyton Orient, Scott McGleish, praises his work ethic and willingness to learn during his time in the lower leagues. Kane’s humble beginnings have made him appreciate the opportunities he has been given and he has since given back to the club that gave him his first professional start by sponsoring Leyton Orient.
The rest of the squad also has EFL grounding, with players like Aaron Ramsdale, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, and Dean Henderson all having had experiences in the EFL early in their careers. This demonstrates the wide range of talent that the EFL produces and the significant role it plays in shaping England’s national team.
In conclusion, the success of the England team in reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals can be attributed, at least in part, to the strong EFL background of many players in the squad. The experiences and lessons learned in the EFL have shaped these players’ careers and helped them develop into top-level professionals. The EFL continues to be a vital platform for young talent to grow and prepare for the challenges of playing at the highest level.