NXGN 2025: Meet England’s Hottest 20 Teenage Football Prodigies

England’s football scene is buzzing, as a fresh generation of talent steps onto the pitch, ready to make a mark. The Three Lions have a rich vein of young talent, and the flow shows no signs of stopping. England’s fans have every reason to be excited as a new era of English football emerges.

Under the leadership of Sir Gareth Southgate, a young squad has already reached two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. The current crop of players, such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka, are still yet to reach their prime. With Thomas Tuchel’s arrival, the hope for England’s first tournament win since 1966 remains alive and kicking.

Future England squads have plenty to look forward to, as GOAL’s NXGN 2025 countdown revealed nine English players, more than any other country. So, who are these burgeoning stars that could potentially don the England jersey in the coming years? Here’s a look at 20 English players born on or after January 1, 2006, who could be the future of English football.

Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)

Josh Acheampong, the talented right-back, had Chelsea biting their nails in late 2024. With Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich circling, the Blues feared losing another homegrown star to their competitors. But, to everyone’s relief, Acheampong signed a new long-term deal in December 2024, cementing his place in Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans while displaying impressive versatility as a centre-back.

Harrison Armstrong (Everton)

Everton fans finally have something to cheer about with the rising star, Harrison Armstrong. The 17-year-old midfielder made his first-team debut in the 2024-25 campaign, making several Premier League appearances under Sean Dyche. After a loan spell at Derby County, Armstrong’s impressive performances are turning heads, making him one to watch in the coming years.

Tyler Dibling (Southampton)

Despite Southampton’s precarious Premier League position, Tyler Dibling has established himself as one of England’s best prospects. The 19-year-old’s versatility and confidence on the pitch have attracted attention from Tottenham and Newcastle, with Bayern Munich also rumored to be interested.

Max Dowman (Arsenal)

Max Dowman, Arsenal’s 15-year-old attacking midfielder, is already training with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad. The talented youngster created history as the youngest player to ever score in the UEFA Youth League, making him a player to watch out for.

Tyrique George (Chelsea)

At nearly six feet tall, Tyrique George may not look like your typical winger. But his speed and dribbling skills have already caused problems for Premier League defenders. The 19-year-old Chelsea player has been described by teammate Noni Madueke as having “talent through the roof.”

Archie Gray (Tottenham)

Archie Gray, the fourth member of his family to play in the English top flight, is making his mark at Tottenham. The 19-year-old’s maturity and versatility have been impressive, and he is set to represent England rather than Scotland, unlike his relatives.

Ayden Heaven (Manchester United)

Ayden Heaven, the 18-year-old centre-back, was a steal for Manchester United at just £1 million ($1.3m). Despite his limited experience, Heaven has looked comfortable in United’s back-three, hinting at a promising future.

Harry Howell (Brighton)

Harry Howell, the 16-year-old attacking midfielder, has become a force in Premier League 2. He has trained with Fabian Hurzeler’s senior squad multiple times and is nearing his senior debut.

Josh King (Fulham)

Josh King is making waves in Fulham’s midfield. The industrious 18-year-old made his first top-flight start this season, and club captain Tom Cairney believes that “the sky’s the limit” for him.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old Arsenal player, has excelled as a left-back in the first team. His performance earned him his first senior international call-up for March’s World Cup qualifiers.

And the list goes on, featuring talents like Shim Mheuka (Chelsea), Lewis Miley (Newcastle), Jeremy Monga (Leicester City), Mikey Moore (Tottenham), Divine Mukasa (Manchester City), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Trey Nyoni (Liverpool), Jack Porter (Arsenal), and Chris Rigg (Sunderland). These young players are set to keep England’s football scene buzzing for years to come.