The England national football team haven’t ended a year with such a sense of optimism since 1966. After an unexpected run to the semi-final of the World Cup in the summer, in recent weeks England have overcome Spain and Croatia to reach the last four of the inaugural Nations League. For the first time since 1997, England defeated two of Europe’s elite teams in succession.
The squad which performed so admirably at the World Cup has been augmented by the addition of youngsters such as Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell. These new stars have added further pace to an England side already filled with attacking intent.
While Sancho’s performances have been praised, it seems highly unlikely he’d be representing his country had he not moved abroad. After leaving Manchester City, he has contributed to 12 goals in 15 Champions League and Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund. In contrast, Sancho’s more heralded former Man City team-mate, Phil Foden, has made only six Premier League appearances (almost all of them from the bench) for The Citizens over the same time period.
Arsenal’s 18-year-old forward Reiss Nelson has also attracted the limelight in Germany, scoring six goals and assisting another in just seven league appearances since moving to Hoffenheim on loan. Again, it is highly improbable that Nelson would have received as much game time had he remained at his parent club. There he is competing with Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Danny Welbeck for a place in the side.
It is wonderful to see young English talent flourishing overseas. However, if both players had gone on loan to low or mid-table Premier League clubs, it is unrealistic to think they would have been given the time on the pitch they need to show their ability. Take another talented youngster – Ademola Lookman. A player not unlike Sancho and Nelson, he has made only four league appearances at Everton this season.
The riches of the Premier League are strangling youth development; the success of our players abroad highlights this more starkly than ever before.
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