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Fans blown away after picture of England's 'crazy' U15 squad from 2017 resurfaces

England's U15 squad was stacked with talent.

Fans blown away after picture of England's 'crazy' U15 squad from 2017 resurfaces

Published Apr 16, 2024, 17:15:35 GMT+1Last updated Apr 16, 2024, 17:15:34 GMT+1

Fans were left stunned when a photo of England's U15s squad from 2017 emerged on social media.

England have not won a men's major tournament since 1966, but this summer they will look to do so with one of the most talented squads they've ever had.

Gareth Southgate will have a generation of incredibly talented youngsters at his disposal at Euro 2024 Germany, with many of them set to star for the Three Lions for years to come.

With the likes of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo among their ranks, England are one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Of course, those young superstars did not emerge out of nowhere.

The most talented English youngsters enter the national team set up at an early age and work their way up through the age categories.

It's always fun to look back at old England youth teams and see where those players are now, and one particular team sheet has caused a stir on social media.

In February 2017 England Under-15s lost 4-3 to Belgium U15s at St George's Park, and there were some familiar names involved.

Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke started the match, but surprisingly, Real Madrid midfielder and Ballon d'Or Kopa Trophy winner Jude Bellingham was named among the substitutes.

A number of players who have since switched international allegiance were also representing England that night.

Just came across this team sheet from England U15s back in 2017… The talent in this team is actually crazy 🤯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jeremy Doku was playing for Belgium in that game too… Madness ✨

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United States and AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah captained the side, while midfielder Lewis Fiorini and striker Armstrong Okoflex now represent Scotland and Republic of Ireland respectively.

Another surprise is that Bayern Munich and Germany attacker Jamal Musiala started on the bench alongside Bellingham.

"Just came across this team sheet from England U15s back in 2017… The talent in this team is actually crazy," one fan wrote on X.

"We once lived in a world where Lewis Fiorini started ahead of Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala," one surprised fan said.

"Musiala before the change of heart," another wrote on X, referencing Musiala's decision in 2021 to represent Germany instead of England.

A third user commented: "Could have seen Jamal Musiala balling for England."

Another fan admitted that they were "sad that Karamoko Dembele never made it," the winger now plying his trade in League One with Blackpool after coming through the youth set-up at Celtic.

Featured Image Credit: @RisingBallers_ and Getty

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