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England have been a center of football throughout the ages and have a rich history. Be it at national tournaments or the Premier League, and there has never been a shortage of talent from the island nation. The country has produced mercurial talents like Gordon Banks in the bygone era and the likes of David Beckham in recent times.
The following five names are all 21 or younger, but all five have become first-team regulars. Not only are these players touted as the next big thing, but they already have astronomical valuations. These footballers are considered 'untouchable' by their respective clubs, and only the highest transfer fees can see them change their existing clubs.
#5 Mason Greenwood - €50M
Mason Greenwood has been the best product coming out of Carrington in the last few seasons.
The English attacker has moved up through the age-group ranks and has become a first-team regular. From the very first match itself, it was evident that Greenwood was made for big things.
He is highly mobile with the ball and has the gift of powerful shots with both feet. Greenwood is comfortable playing in any position on the attack, but he has mostly played on the right-wing in the current season.
Greenwood started the season brilliantly and scored in the first three games for Manchester United. Since then, his performances have been mediocre, and his goal tally has dried up. Greenwood may have made 24 appearances across all competitions, but his six goals and two assists are a far cry from his usual standards.
#4 Bukayo Saka - €65M
Bukayo Saka has been a shining light on a vastly underperforming Arsenal team. The English footballer came up through the ranks at Arsenal and broke into the first team as a teenager.
Saka's biggest strength is his versatility, as he can play in several positions. Technically strong, he has played in offensive and defensive positions based on the needs of the side.
The youngster's performance earned him a call-up to the Euros, which ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. But Saka has bounced back well since then with his impressive performances for Arsenal this season.
Although Saka has predominantly played on the left-hand side of the pitch, he has played mainly on the right this season. He has made 26 appearances across all major competitions and is one of the team's mainstays. Saka has scored seven goals and made four assists but will look to improve both in the coming days.
#3 Jude Bellingham - €75M
Jude Bellingham maybe 19, but he is already a star in the Bundesliga. Bellingham had big things destined for him when he broke into the Birmingham City side as a mere teenager. Clubs like Manchester United were after him, but Bellingham decided to switch to Borussia Dortmund for guaranteed minutes.
The decision has paid for him in gold as Bellingham has developed immensely. A highly versatile footballer, Bellingham is adept at playing in several positions. He has mostly played as a central midfielder and has been outstanding in the current season.
Bellingham has made 28 appearances in all competitions, mainly as a starter. He has racked up 10 assists already and has also scored four goals.
He will undoubtedly attract interest from clubs across Europe in the upcoming summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see the step he chooses for the next phase of his career.
#2 Phil Foden - €85M
Manchester City have never had a shortage of financial riches since the takeover took place two decades ago. The club hasn't been shy about spending mega amounts in the transfer window to get the best talent. But Foden is an academy graduate and arguably the biggest to have made it big at the Etihad.
He first burst onto the scene with his performances in the U-17 World Cup and has never looked back since then. He has developed immensely under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola and is a first team regular now. Foden has played in both central midfield and in wider positions. His technical brilliance and excellent vision have resulted in Foden becoming an integral part of the squad.
Foden is having an outstanding season, especially in the Premier League. Guardiola has fielded him 22 times on the pitch in which Foden has scored seven goals and made six assists.
#1 Jadon Sancho - €85M
Jadon Sancho was long pursued by Manchester United, who managed to acquire him in the summer of 2021. When one observes Sancho's performances in the Bundesliga, it's understandable why United were so keen on him.
Sancho switched to Borussia Dortmund at a young age and quickly became a star at the German club. His biggest strengths are his ability to play on both wings and the direct approach to beating opponents. Sancho has had a slow start to his Manchester United career and is yet to justify the high sum that the club paid to acquire him.
Sancho has appeared 22 times for Manchester United, but nearly half have been from the bench. His mere two goals haven't been good enough, and it can indeed be claimed that the expectations from him are higher. Both Sancho and the Manchester United faithful will be hoping that he can improve his performances in the future.
