A Youth Explosion – England’s Year Of Success

This is the modern world. A world in which young English footballers are the best in the world. This is something fans, pundits and coaches have been dreaming of for the decade since that disastrous qualifying campaign for Euro 2008. Rather than just the one golden generation of Terry, Ferdinand, Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney; England seem to have several age groups full of top talent at their disposal. An unprecedented summer of success in under-age tournaments, not just for England but for any nation ever, should be something celebrated, that gives hope for the future. However, the pessimism of a footballing nation created by what are now 52 years of hurt, combined with the experiences in recent years for promising youngsters in the English game, is understandable.

England U17s lift the World Cup in Kolkata

That Toddlin' Town: Schweinsteiger to Chicago Fire a perfect match

After a period of big name players leaving the MLS, like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the MLS are attracting the big names from Europe yet again. World Cup and Champions League winner Bastian Schweinsteiger's move to Chicago Fire was confirmed on Wednesday, with the grandiose official unveiling taking place, as well as a mass swarming of fans at O'Hare Airport upon his arrival from Manchester United the day before. This move is one that is perfect for all three parties involved: Schweinsteiger himself, Chicago Fire as a club, and the MLS as a League.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is welcomed to Chicago Fire in his unveiling press conference

MK Ultra: Will the advent of the MK Dons benefit the England national team?

During the October international break, and the two snooze-fests of England games during them, the significant yet under-reported fact of AFC Wimbledon overtaking Milton Keynes Dons in league position for the first time in their histories. This was a fantastic achievement for the side from Kingsmeadow, as of course many know the evocative story behind this. Tonight, Britain’s most unusual derby (if it can be called that) will have its second outing in a league game, with MK running out 1-0 winners at Stadium:MK in the reverse fixture in December. Seeing this pop up on my Twitter timeline, it got me thinking: how will this controversial chapter affect the long-term future of English football at national team level? MK Dons have a squad full of talented youngsters, many of whom are probably good enough to make the step up - as proven by the stunning debut season of Dele Alli at Tottenham last year, and his continued good form this. With the New Town of Milton Keynes being a previously untapped area for footballers before the controversial events of 2002’s independent commission, does this mean that those events may actually be good for the future of the English national team?

Milton Keynes's most famous son celebrates scoring a goal at Bramall Lane

Josh McEachran: The Prodigal Son Returns

At 17, he had the world at his feet. Having rejected offers from Real Madrid and Manchester United, he had made his debut for Chelsea, and had been mightily impressive. Being used off the bench often, and not only when the game was already won, either. Slowly, this began to turn into starts, including one away in the Champions League group stages at the notoriously imposing Stade Velodrome. Then this all changed. The manager who had been willing to use him, and excited at the prospect he could be, was sacked, and in came one who despite being charged with turning the aging squad around, loaned one of the best young prospects out. One loan turned into another, and loan after loan, manager after manager who promised game time to choose that club to join and then didn’t give him game time, or when he did, did it in a position or system that didn’t suit his qualities. Soon, the boy wonder that was billed to be the English Xavi, was being sold to the Championship for a transfer fee under a million pounds.

 

Josh McEachran in first team action in the 2010/11 season under Carlo Ancelotti