Where are they now? The 7 teenagers Gareth Southgate handed England debuts
Since being appointed England manager in 2016, Gareth Southgate has handed out seven debuts to teenagers and we’ve checked out where they are today.
There’s no denying that Southgate took on a tough job when he took the reigns from Roy Hodgson in 2016, but he’s done a good job in developing some of England’s brightest prospects.
We’ve gone back through Southgate’s time as England boss and have picked out the seven teenagers that he has handed international debuts to.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The Liverpool full-back was handed his debut against Costa Rica in a pre-tournament friendly leading up to the 2018 World Cup. Alexander-Arnold also made his competitive debut for England that year, starting in England’s group-stage game against Belgium.
Despite the obvious quality that Alexander-Arnold possesses, he’s never been a regular under Southgate. As the England boss is spoilt for choice at right-back, the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James have often been ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Southgate has utilised the 25-year-old in a more advanced midfield role in recent England matches.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham made his senior England debut as a fresh-faced 17-year-old and is the youngest player to be handed a debut by Southgate.
In fact, he is England’s third youngest debutant of all time as only Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott made their international debuts at a younger age.
Still just 20, Bellingham has the world at his fingertips. He’s smashing it for Real Madrid every week and is now considered the first name on the team sheet for England.
Nothing is stopping him from reaching the very top.
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Bukayo Saka
The Arsenal winger made his debut for the Three Lions in a 3-0 triumph over Wales. Saka was just 19 years old at the time and he’s developed into one hell of a player since then.
It didn’t take long until Saka nailed down a consistent starting spot under Southgate and he’s now racked up 32 caps for England. He’s scored 11 goals in that time and has also been voted as the England Men’s Player of the Year for two years in a row.
“His hunger, his humility, are what’s got him on a good path,” Southgate told reporters when discussing Saka. “He has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that’s how he’s wired. I don’t see that changing with how he is and how his family are.
“He’s got great support around him. He’s progressing brilliantly, He’s a joy to work with.”
Mason Greenwood
Greenwood made his England debut at 18 in a Nations League clash with Iceland. That remains the only senior appearance for the forward who is currently on loan with Getafe.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Southgate gave Hudson-Odoi his first chance as a teenager in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic. Hudson-Odoi was considered hot-property while coming through at Chelsea, but his career hasn’t progressed as expected.
The 23-year-old has only made three senior appearances for England and there have been rumours suggesting he could switch his international allegiance to Ghana.
Hudson-Odoi moved to Nottingham Forest in 2023 and admitted he is still pondering his international future.
“That decision hasn’t been made yet. I’m still thinking it over,” he told The Telegraph last year. “Ghana is a very good option but let’s wait and see.
“Hopefully once I start playing games here, maybe Gareth [Southgate] or Ghana will come. It’s a nice position to be in and hopefully, sooner or later we will know.”
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Jadon Sancho
Sancho made his senior debut for England as a fresh-faced 18-year-old in a Nations League clash with Croatia. The winger’s best spell undoubtedly came with Borussia Dortmund and since making the switch to Manchester United, he’s barely featured for England.
His last appearance on the international stage was back in 2021 and following his departure from Old Trafford following his very public fallout with Erik ten Hag, it doesn’t seem like he will be named in the squad any time soon.
Rico Lewis
After some impressive cameo performances for Manchester City, Lewis was drafted into the side as an already-qualified England faced North Macedonia in their final Euro 2024 qualifier.
The youngster gave away a penalty for an unfortunate handball, but still impressed many observers with his assured display at left-back.
Still only 19, Lewis is currently with England’s under-21 squad and looks set for a bright future with the national team.
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