England’s Promising Young Footballers: A 2021 Prediction Revisited
Back in 2021, amidst the disappointment of England’s Euro 2020 final loss, the Daily Mail offered a beacon of hope, confidently declaring the future “undoubtedly bright” for English football. They spotlighted eight young talents, predicting they would “break through the system” and become key figures in the senior national team. This was a time of reflection after a painful defeat against Italy, managed by Gareth Southgate, and while licking wounds from that penalty shootout, optimism remained for the World Cup in Qatar. Names like Brighton‘s dynamic full-back Tariq Lamptey were mentioned as players “destined” for Wembley.
But who were these players identified by the Daily Mail as potential saviors, ready to help England finally lift that “elusive” major trophy? Let’s revisit these predictions and see how these young stars have fared since.
Where Are They Now? Tracking England’s 2021 Wonderkids
Here’s a closer look at each of the eight players highlighted by the Daily Mail in 2021 and their journey since, examining if they lived up to the hype and predictions of becoming England senior team regulars:
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Noni Madueke (PSV, 19 in 2021)
The Prediction: After a strong 2020/21 season at PSV with nine goals and eight assists, Madueke was considered a “safe bet” for England’s senior squad.
Current Status: Madueke moved to Chelsea in January 2023. He earned his first England cap in September 2024 under interim manager Lee Carsley in a match against Finland. While he has broken into the senior setup, he’s still establishing himself as a regular.
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Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal, 20 in 2021)
The Prediction: Seen as “unfortunate” to miss the Euro 2020 squad, Smith Rowe was lauded for his “laser sharp” creativity, considered a vital spark for the Three Lions.
Current Status: In a surprising turn, Smith Rowe is now with Fulham after a £27 million transfer from Arsenal in August of last year. He debuted for England in 2021 against Albania, even scoring against San Marino on his first start. He currently has three caps. While capped, he is now at Fulham and not consistently in England conversations.
Smith Rowe made his debut against Albania in 2021. Image credit: Getty
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Curtis Jones (Liverpool, 20 in 2021)
The Prediction: Described as an “all-action midfielder” after playing 34 games in 2020. Despite a red card in a Euro 2021 U21 quarter-final, his “stellar credentials” were expected to lead to senior caps.
Current Status: Jones has become a key player for Premier League giants Liverpool, with 39 appearances this season. He received his first England cap in November 2024 against Greece under Lee Carsley, scoring on debut and playing again versus the Republic of Ireland. Jones is now a more established figure within the England setup than predicted back in 2021.
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Tariq Lamptey (Brighton, 20 in 2021)
The Prediction: Lamptey was tipped to have the potential to become an “England regular.” His immediate future was with the Young Lions, but he was seen as “destined” for Wembley.
Current Status: Despite representing England at youth levels, Lamptey switched his international allegiance to Ghana in 2022. He has earned 11 caps for Ghana. A significant change from the predicted England trajectory.
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Folarin Balogun (Arsenal, 19 in 2021)
The Prediction: Having represented England at various youth levels, Balogun was expected to progress to the senior team after a promising start at Arsenal.
Current Status: Balogun, despite early promise, committed his international future to the United States in 2023. He plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 and has 17 caps and five goals for the USA. Another switch in international allegiance away from England.
Balogun is a regular for the United States national team. Image credit: Getty
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Harvey Elliott (Liverpool, 18 in 2021)
The Prediction: Elliott’s “meteoric rise” and new Liverpool contract suggested the “pinnacle of the Three Lions’ system” was within reach.
Current Status: Elliott is yet to make his senior England debut, despite consistent appearances for Liverpool (21 this season). While a valuable club player, the senior England breakthrough is still pending.
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Oliver Skipp (Spurs, 20 in 2021)
The Prediction: After a successful loan at Norwich, Skipp’s path to senior England caps and regular Premier League football seemed “clear.” He was even tipped as a potential future England captain, praised for his “pivot role” expertise.
Current Status: Skipp has not received a senior England call-up. He currently plays for Leicester City, who are facing Premier League relegation struggles. His career trajectory has not followed the predicted upward path.
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Liam Delap (Manchester City, 18 in 2021)
The Prediction: Linked with Real Madrid and promoted to Manchester City’s first team, Delap’s progress was deemed “incredible.”
Current Status: Delap is currently impressing on loan at Ipswich Town, scoring 10 goals. However, despite his form, he was not included in Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squad (likely a misreference to a then current England manager, should be referencing current England manager of the time). He awaits his senior England debut. While performing well at club level, senior England recognition has not materialized.
Looking back, the Daily Mail’s 2021 predictions offer a mixed bag. Some players like Curtis Jones have risen to prominence and gained England recognition, while others like Madueke and Smith Rowe have received caps but are not yet established regulars. Notably, Tariq Lamptey and Folarin Balogun chose different international paths. Oliver Skipp and Liam Delap are still striving to reach the predicted heights.
The journey of these “wonderkids” highlights the unpredictable nature of football development. While talent is crucial, factors like club form, international opportunities, and even decisions of international allegiance play a significant role in shaping a player’s career.
What are your thoughts on these predictions? Did any of these players surprise you? Who do you think will be the next England breakthrough star? Share your opinions in the comments below!