The year is 2014, and England’s under-17 team is on the verge of winning the European Championship in Malta. This squad was brimming with talent, and many saw them as the future of English football. But, fast forward 10 years, and only one player from that squad has made it into England’s provisional Euro 2024 roster. What happened to these highly anticipated young players? Let’s take a closer look at their journeys.
The Goalkeepers
Two goalkeepers stood out in the 2014 team: Freddie Woodman and Sam Howes. Woodman, playing for Newcastle United at the time, has had a roller coaster career with multiple loan spells at clubs like Bournemouth, Swansea, and Aberdeen before settling at Preston North End. Howes, on the other hand, left West Ham for Watford and bounced around various clubs before joining Leyton Orient in 2023.
The Defenders
Jonjoe Kenny, a former Everton player, has had a long and winding road. After leaving Everton’s academy, he spent several seasons on loan before finally landing a spot in the German capital with Hertha Berlin. Tafari Moore, a former Arsenal youth player, has had a less successful journey. From winning a major trophy with England to playing in the National League, his career has taken a downturn, and he currently plays for St Albans.
The Standout: Joe Gomez
The most successful player from the 2014 squad is undoubtedly Joe Gomez. The Charlton Athletic graduate has gone on to become a mainstay at Liverpool, making over 200 appearances for the Reds. He is the only player from that team to be selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad, highlighting his consistent success.
The Midfielders
Several other players from the 2014 squad have carved out successful careers. Dael Fry and Taylor Moore both had key roles in England’s victory. Fry currently plays for Colchester United, while Moore plays for Valenciennes FC. Ryan Ledson, after leaving Everton’s academy, has established himself as a key player for Preston North End. Meanwhile, Demetri Mitchell, once a promising Manchester United prospect, now plays for Exeter City after numerous loan spells and a move to Blackpool.
The midfield also featured Josh Onomah, who was without a club after leaving Preston in 2023, and Lewis Cook, who has been a consistent performer for Bournemouth. Callum Cooke currently plays for Hartlepool United, while Joshua Sims moved to Ross County after leaving Southampton.
The Forwards
The forward line of the 2014 squad had some notable names. Adam Armstrong became a five-cap England under-21 international after scoring two goals in the tournament. He has had a successful career, particularly in the Championship, but is yet to earn a senior cap. Sadly, Izzy Brown, a former Premier League winner with Chelsea, had to retire early at the age of 26 due to recurring injuries.
Two other strikers from the 2014 squad have carved out successful careers in the Premier League. Dominic Solanke, the competition’s joint top scorer, is now a key player for Bournemouth. Patrick Roberts, who scored three goals in the tournament, currently plays for Sunderland. Despite his talent and potential, Roberts has struggled to secure a consistent starting role in the Premier League, but he has found success in the Championship.
A Mixed Bag of Success
The journey of England’s 2014 under-17 team serves as a reminder that the path to success in football is rarely straightforward. While some players have lived up to their immense potential, many others have faced setbacks and have had to adapt to different circumstances. The story of this squad is a testament to the perseverance and resilience needed to navigate the world of professional football.
