At the 2017 U17 World Cup, Phil Foden was named the tournament’s best player, while Rhian Brewster claimed the Golden Boot. England’s young lions roared to the title, defeating Spain 5-2 in the final. Stars like Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden have since soared, becoming Premier League standouts. Foden has clinched four Premier League titles with Manchester City, while Sancho dazzled at Borussia Dortmund before securing a record-breaking move to Manchester United. But not every member of that triumphant U17 squad has enjoyed such a glittering career. Here’s where they are now.

Goalkeeper: Billy Crellin

Despite call-ups to England’s youth teams, Crellin struggled to break through at Fleetwood Town (English League One). He was repeatedly loaned to lower-tier clubs like FC United of Manchester, Chorley, and Bolton Wanderers. Everton signed the young keeper in early 2022, but he has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Toffees.

Goalkeeper: Josef Bursik

After multiple loan spells in lower divisions, Bursik earned a first-team spot at Stoke City, debuting in the Championship (English second tier) in November 2020. He became Stoke’s number-one goalkeeper in the 2021-22 season, but injuries have since stalled his progress.

Goalkeeper: Curtis Anderson

Despite regular appearances for Manchester City’s youth teams, Anderson, born in 2000, left for Charlotte Independence (USA) in 2019. Months later, he returned to England with Wycombe Wanderers. Loan spells followed at Walton Casuals and Eastbourne Borough. In 2022, he signed for Lancaster City.

Defender: Marc Guehi

Born in 2000, Guehi debuted in the Premier League for Chelsea in September 2017 but was loaned to Swansea City. Unable to break into Chelsea’s star-laden squad, he joined Crystal Palace on a five-year deal in 2021. Guehi quickly became a mainstay and earned a senior England call-up.

Defender: TJ Eyoma

A Tottenham Hotspur academy product, Eyoma debuted for the first team in January 2019 against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup. Loaned to Lincoln City (League One) in 2020, his stint was cut short by Covid-19. He returned on loan the next season and signed permanently with Lincoln in 2021.

Defender: Jonathan Panzo

Another Chelsea youth graduate, Panzo was signed by Monaco before the 2018/19 season. Loaned to Cercle Brugge in Belgium, he was later sold to Dijon in Ligue 2. In early 2022, Panzo returned to England, joining Nottingham Forest.

Defender: Steven Sessegnon

Born in 2000, Sessegnon emerged from Fulham’s academy. Despite Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League, he couldn’t secure a first-team spot. Loaned to Bristol City in the Championship, he moved to Plymouth Argyle on loan in 2022.

Defender: Joel Latibeaudiere

Captain of the U17 side, Latibeaudiere’s career hasn’t met expectations. He left Manchester City for a loan at Twente in 2019. Reuniting with former U17 coach Steve Cooper, he signed a three-year deal with Swansea City. Latibeaudiere now represents Jamaica internationally to boost his call-up chances.

Defender: Lewis Gibson

Trained at Newcastle United and Everton, Gibson signed his first professional contract with Everton in 2019. His career stalled, with no first-team role. Loans to Fleetwood Town, Reading, and Sheffield Wednesday followed, as he struggled to break through.

Midfielder: George McEachran

Loaned to SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden and MVV Maastricht by Chelsea, McEachran failed to impress. Returning in late 2020, he remains with Chelsea. The 2000-born midfielder was on the bench for Chelsea’s 2019 Europa League final win over Arsenal.

Midfielder: Angel Gomes

Gomes made history in 2016-17 as Manchester United’s youngest debutant (16 years, 263 days) since 1953, replacing Wayne Rooney in the 88th minute. In summer 2020, he joined Lille and was loaned to Boavista. Gomes continues to develop in France.

Midfielder: Conor Gallagher

Named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year in 2019, Gallagher earned a three-year professional contract. Loans to Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, and Crystal Palace honed his skills. His stellar 2021-22 season at Palace led to an England call-up and a spot at the 2022 World Cup.

Midfielder: Emile Smith Rowe

After loans at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, Smith Rowe returned to Arsenal, breaking out in the 2020/21 season with 20 Premier League appearances. Awarded the number 10 shirt and a new contract, his progress has been hampered by injuries.

Midfielder: Tashan Oakley-Boothe

A key figure in England’s U17 triumph, Oakley-Boothe played six matches. A Tottenham academy graduate, he joined Stoke City on a three-year deal in January 2020. Persistent back injuries limited his impact in the following season.

Midfielder: Phil Foden

Manchester City’s starlet was the U17 World Cup’s best player, scoring twice in the final against Spain. Returning to City, he played five Premier League matches in 2017-18, helping them win the title. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, Foden has become a top talent, lifting his fourth Premier League trophy at just 22—a true gem of English football.

Midfielder: Nya Kirby

Kirby played six matches at the U17 World Cup, starting once. After signing a professional deal with Crystal Palace, he was loaned to Blackpool. In 2020-21, he debuted for Palace’s first team against Bournemouth in the League Cup but struggled to make an impact. Further loans to Tranmere Rovers (League Two) followed, and Palace terminated his contract at the end of the season.

Forward: Morgan Gibbs-White

Gibbs-White scored England’s second goal in the final. Debuting for Wolves in the 2018/19 Premier League, he was hailed as one of Europe’s brightest talents. Loaned to Swansea City in 2020 and Sheffield United in 2021, he shone at the latter, scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Forward: Callum Hudson-Odoi

One of the few U17 players with Premier League experience pre-tournament, Hudson-Odoi’s performances at Chelsea attracted Bayern Munich’s interest, but Chelsea retained him. In 2022, he joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan while remaining part of Chelsea’s squad.

Forward: Jadon Sancho

After shining at the U17 Euros, Sancho excelled in the World Cup’s first three matches but returned to Borussia Dortmund after the group stage. In summer 2021, he joined Manchester United for a record fee. Despite a rocky start, he’s regaining confidence under Erik ten Hag, with high hopes for a breakout.

Forward: Rhian Brewster

Brewster dazzled at the U17 World Cup in India, winning the Golden Boot with eight goals. Liverpool pinned big hopes on the 2000-born striker, but persistent injuries derailed his progress. Ahead of the 2021/22 season, he was sold to Sheffield United.

Forward: Danny Loader

Loader made two appearances at the U17 World Cup. Graduating from Reading’s academy, he became a regular in their Championship side (English second tier). In 2020, he joined Porto, primarily playing for their B team. In 2021, Loader debuted for Porto’s first team in Portugal’s top flight, scoring in his maiden match.