Elliott, Danns, Wright…The Future Of Liverpool & England At The World Cup… | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Future England Stars…

For the first time in 40 years, England entered a major tournament without a Liverpool player in their squad. The previous occasions came at the 1986 and 1954 World Cups. With a talented academy emerging at Kirkby, Liverpool supporters will hope that changes in the years ahead.

We’ve taken a look at some of the current Reds aged 23 and under to assess whether this year’s absence of Reds will be a one-off and Anfield representation will return in 2030…

Harvey Elliott

Following a disappointing loan deal to Villa Park which saw Harvey play in just 278 minutes for the Europa League winners, Harvey will be hoping that new boss Andoni Iraola will help reignite his football career. Prior to his move to the Midlands, Elliott performed exceptionally for his country, scoring five goals in six matches for the U21s as he led the charge to win the European Championship for the Three Lions. Harvey came close to achieving his first senior call-up for England in 2022, with Paul Robinson naming him a “victim of circumstance”.

Elliott’s intelligence between the lines and ability to receive possession in tight areas could suit Iraola’s more vertical style. If the new head coach can find a consistent role for the midfielder, the 22-year-old could yet force his way back into Liverpool and thereafter England’s plans ahead of the Euros tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Rio Ngumoha

Few academy players have generated as much excitement as Rio Ngumoha. Ngumoha is the only player on this list to have earned a senior England cap and, on his debut, was named Player of the Match after his performance against New Zealand. After being knocked out by Argentina, Thomas Tuchel may be regretting not bringing the 17-year-old with him in place of unused players like Kobbie Mainoo or Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. His ability to isolate defenders and beat them one-on-one has quickly made him one of Liverpool’s and England’s most exciting academy prospects. Already trusted by Thomas Tuchel at senior level despite his age, Ngumoha appears to be on an accelerated pathway through England’s setup. Regular first-team football at Liverpool could quickly cement his place in future squads.

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Trey Nyoni

Signed from Leicester’s academy in 2023, Trey Nyoni has made 20 first-team appearances for Liverpool, many of which from the bench. Nyoni will be hoping to impress Andoni in the upcoming weeks in an attempt to earn a greater role in the squad. Nyoni possesses great talent — his passing range is second to none, complemented by his immense confidence when dictating the tempo of any match regardless of his position on the pitch — but opportunities for the 19-year-old have been slender. Nyoni has not suffered from injuries, rather immense competition from incredible professionals, but the arrival of Iraola could bring a pathway for the midfielder to develop into a crucial member of England’s future squad.

Jayden Danns

It has been a frustrating couple of years for young Jayden. Injuries have plagued his start as a Liverpool player. During Arne Slot’s time as Liverpool manager, Danns featured in just 130 minutes. Now fully fit for Iraola, Danns will be hoping to prove himself to the Spaniard or, at the very least, prove himself available for potential loan suitors. If his breakout season is anything to go by, Danns is the type of striker England could benefit from as a part of their squad in major tournaments, with the 6ft striker possessing a deadly instinct when in and around the box, especially with Harry Kane entering the latter stages of his international career. England will eventually need a new generation of centre-forwards to succeed the record goal-scorer. Danns’ instincts inside the penalty area could make him one to watch if he continues his development.

Will Wright

Despite suffering from an injury that saw him miss the beginning of his first campaign at Liverpool, Will Wright enjoyed life playing for the U21s, scoring six goals while adding five assists to his tally. Wright managed to contribute towards a goal every 88 minutes. The 18-year-old will be another young striker that will be looking to fight for the Harry Kane-shaped hole in England’s team for years to come. His physical profile also offers something different to many of England’s current young forwards. His ability to occupy centre-backs while still contributing creatively makes him an intriguing long-term prospect.

Wright could also emerge as Liverpool’s backup striker this season under Iraola following Hugo Ekitike’s injury, a position which would grant the striker exposure and the opportunity to develop into the talented footballer he could be.

James McConnell

McConnell is yet another victim who has endured a series of injury setbacks at the club. Last season, McConnell was ruled out with an undisclosed injury that required minor surgery in early 2026, forcing the termination of his loan spell at Ajax. After a five-month absence, he successfully returned to the pitch for Liverpool’s U21s in April and has since reported for 2026 pre-season training with the first team. His injury setback has stalled what had been an encouraging rise through Liverpool’s academy, as the young midfielder has shown his quality when fully fit and playing, particularly shining under Jürgen Klopp’s tenure. The now 21-year-old played a role in the Reds’ victory against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final alongside some appearances in the Europa League. With reports from Lewis Bower suggesting that the Englishman will be expected to stay and play a role in Iraola’s squad, consistent Premier League football would undoubtedly strengthen his hopes of climbing England’s midfield ladder.

Luca Eden

Eden has recently made history within the football club. The midfielder became the youngest player to score for Liverpool’s U18 side at the age of 14. Even with his young age, he has made 10 appearances for the team and has been compared to former captain Steven Gerrard. Luca Eden has been described by many as a tenacious and aggressive midfielder who has also captained England’s U15s. Many Liverpool coaches have described him as “the best talent they’ve had since Steven Gerrard”. At just 14, it remains far too early to predict his ceiling, but the club’s internal belief in his ability speaks volumes about his potential, leaving him as a potential candidate to become a future England international.

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Josh Abe

After signing a new contract with Liverpool despite interest from Manchester City, Josh Abe is expected to feature on the club’s tour of the United States. The versatile winger has regularly caused problems for full-backs with his technical ability and direct running. The right-winger also trained with the U21s last season despite being 15 at the time, showcasing his immense ability and the faith that the club have placed in him to fulfil his potential. England will hope Ngumoha and Abe continue their development over the coming years.

Haydn Murray-Holme

Murray-Holme was one of the standout midfielders in the U18 Premier League last season, registering 10 assists while ranking first for the number of progressive passes, averaging 15 per 90 minutes. Midfielders with his intelligence in possession are increasingly valued at the highest level, and continued progression at Liverpool could eventually place him firmly on England’s radar. The 17-year-old is another talent whose future Liverpool have recently secured, offering him a professional contract to fight off significant interest from other European clubs. The youngster has been compared to current Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton because of his ability to find passing lanes, added to his perfect ability to always play passes with the correct weight. If his development continues, Murray-Holme could become another player pushing for international recognition.

Following a productive period for Liverpool’s academy, the setup has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, and while not every player mentioned will go on to represent England, the depth of talent at Kirkby is difficult to ignore. After England’s first major tournament without a Liverpool representative in four decades, the next generation now has the opportunity to restore the club’s presence within the England national team. Whether it is Ngumoha’s explosive pace, Nyoni’s composure, McConnell’s resilience or Eden’s remarkable promise, the pathway appears stronger than it has for many years.