Top 5 Rising English Football Stars to Watch Out for
The future of English women’s football looks incredibly promising, with a group of talented youngsters breaking through the international set-up. These players have already shown great potential and have the potential to become first-team regulars in the coming years. Let’s take a closer look at five rising stars that fans should keep an eye on.
Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City)
Manchester City made a significant investment in Laura Blindkilde Brown, paying £200,000 to sign her from Aston Villa on deadline day last month. The 20-year-old midfielder was a standout player for Villa in the first half of the season, starting eight of their 12 Women’s Super League matches. She has already accumulated over 50 appearances for the club before moving to City.
Blindkilde Brown’s composure on the ball, experience in the WSL, and ability to play in various positions make her a valuable asset to the Lionesses. While she will have to battle for regular game time at City, training with several Lionesses on a daily basis, including Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood, will undoubtedly aid her development.
Naomi Layzell (Bristol City)
Naomi Layzell, a 19-year-old center-back for Bristol City, has caught the attention of Sarina Wiegman, who has called her up to senior training twice. Layzell started in Thursday’s 3-1 defeat by Spain for the Under-23s and has shown tremendous defensive skills throughout the season.
Emma Coates, head coach of the Under-23s, praises Layzell’s development over the years and highlights her love for defending. Layzell’s opportunity to train with the first team will undoubtedly boost her confidence and further enhance her skills. Keep an eye on other promising players such as Southampton’s Ella Morris and Liverpool’s Hannah Silcock, who have also impressed in their respective positions.
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)
Aggie Beever-Jones, a 20-year-old striker for Chelsea, is a serious contender for the Euro 2025 squad. She has been leading the under-23s’ attack and has had an exceptional season with five goals in 10 WSL games, boasting a better minutes-per-goal ratio than any other player who has scored at least four times.
The competition for forward places in the Lionesses is fierce, with established players like Nikita Parris and up-and-coming talents Ebony Salmon and Katie Robinson. However, Beever-Jones has shown great potential and received a late call-up to the senior squad for Friday’s victory over Austria. Her recent performances indicate that she could be the standout player among her peers.
Missy Bo Kearns (Liverpool)
Midfielder Missy Bo Kearns, 22, has gained valuable experience in the WSL with 16 appearances for Liverpool this season. She became the youngest player to captain the Reds at the age of 20 and has since been given the armband for the England Under-23s.
Kearns acknowledges that all the young players aspire to be part of the senior squad and believes that the exposure and experience gained from training with them will fuel their hunger to succeed. She trusts in her own abilities and remains focused on her development. Another player to watch out for is Manchester City’s Ruby Mace, who, despite struggling for game time with the club, has proven her worth in loan spells with Birmingham City and Leicester City in the WSL.
Conclusion
The future of English women’s football shines bright with these talented rising stars. Laura Blindkilde Brown, Naomi Layzell, Aggie Beever-Jones, Missy Bo Kearns, and Ruby Mace have already displayed their skills and potential, making them players to watch out for in the coming years. As they continue to develop and gain valuable experience at both club and international levels, these young Lionesses have the potential to make a significant impact on the sport and become key figures in the national team.