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Could England be World Cup contenders in the 2020's?

I think they can. I'm not prone to optimism in sport but there is a striking array of young talent coming through and this is better than anytime I can remember:

https://versus.uk.com/2018/08/25-best-young-english-football-players-right-now/

There are also plenty missing from that list like Harry Winks who is 22 and playing very well for Tottenham.

England did well to finish fourth in the last WC and that was probably an over-achievement given the playing resources available. France, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Croatia all had (and still have) stronger player pools.

However, the England junior teams have been consistently successful for a few years and history shows that this is an indicator for the future. It's mostly a result of English clubs belatedly improving their academy systems to catch up with the best of the world in terms of producing youth talent.
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
Clever rule introduced by the FA that so many in your squad have to be home grown players.
Thirty years too late mind, but i think it's good that they are starting to look for the next crop earlier.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@Picklebobble2 I agree with that. Also Bundesliga clubs are doing us a favour by giving our youngsters game time.
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
@Burnley123 having seen what pochetino has done with our kids, i think find them young; farm them out; have them back, is the way to go.
SW-User
I'm more hopeful than I have been for a while. I think tbe trend for young English players to play abroad is a good thing, though that might all cone to a halt.
Milkshake · F
englands problem is the press... if there is no problem they will make one and stir things up...

so no, not as long as british media doesnt get their shit together
We can dream

But I’m not getting my hopes up 😆 I guess it is at least plausible now though, after we did so well last year with such a young team
thatscottishguy · 26-30, M
The 65th golden generation?
thatscottishguy · 26-30, M
"Decent"? I can't think of a proper left back you have.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@thatscottishguy TBH it is a problem position for us and Robertson is probably a bit better than Luke Shaw.
thatscottishguy · 26-30, M
@Burnley123 I forgot about Shaw actually but nice attempt to annoy me by leaving someone out.

 
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