da cassino： As the dust settles on the Three Lions' heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat, it's time to look to the future
da wazamba： Once the tears have dried following England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, attention will have to turn to rebuilding for the future. The next milestone for the Three Lions is the 2026 World Cup in North America, but beyond that, an even more enticing showpiece awaits.
In 2028, England will co-host the European Championship alongside Scotland, Wales and Ireland, providing the opportunity to end their wait for a major, men's international title on home soil. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and Phil Foden should still be knocking around for that tournament, but some of the 2024 crop might have just seen a final chance at glory slip through their fingers.
Fortunately for England fans, there is plenty of young talent primed to take their place as they look to become European champions at Wembley. Here are 10 such players who could be involved in 2028, despite not having a senior cap to their name at the time of writing:
Getty ImagesJarell Quansah (Liverpool)
Liverpool have been forced to throw young centre-backs in at the deep end numerous times over the past years, with Quansah being the latest defender subjected to this baptism of fire. The 21-year-old fared well under the spotlight last season, forming a strong understanding with his various partners and even finishing the campaign with goals in each of the Reds' final two Premier League games.
Gareth Southgate has been impressed by Quansah, too. He was even selected in his preliminary squad for Euro 2024, so he could get a taste of life in the England camp. It's only a matter of time until Quansah does receive that maiden, senior cap, especially if he can establish himself as an important player under incoming Reds boss Arne Slot.
AdvertisementGettyCurtis Jones (Liverpool)
If not for the timing of his injury problems, there's a high chance that Jones would have played his way into the England squad for Euro 2024. However, after being unavailable for a couple of international windows in the lead up to the tournament, he was not able to stake his claim.
Jones played the best football of his career last season and with England looking light in midfield, he's unlikely to remain uncapped for too much longer. Now 23, it feels like he's at a tipping point. If he can start the 2024-25 campaign brightly and remain fit, it's not inconceivable that he becomes a properly important player at Euro 2028.
Getty ImagesHarvey Elliott (Liverpool)
Elliott has been around for so long, it's easy to forget that he is still just 21 years old. Much like his aforementioned Liverpool colleagues, last season was a significant step forward for the former Fulham man, as he produced several match-winning displays across a range of different positions.
He has already appeared 20 times for the Under-21s, starring at the European Championship last summer, and feels well placed to make the step to the seniors soon. He'd be a particularly alluring pick for a tournament too, due to his versatility.
(C)GettyImagesArchie Gray (Tottenham)
The pressure that comes when playing for Leeds can prove too much for some grown men, let alone a teenager. However, Gray had no issues thriving in this unforgiving environment last season, even with the extra scrutiny that comes with his family name; he is the great nephew of club legend Eddie Gray, while his father and grandfather also turned out at Elland Road.
After barely missing a minute for the Whites in 2023-24, he earned a big-money move to Tottenham this summer, joining Ange Postecoglou's youth revolution. The Australian loves to trust in young players and there's no better place for Gray to build towards a spot in the England squad.