“Seeing that we’re so well represented is a brilliant accolade for everybody. I knew we’d be quite high, but that number surprised me. To have that many players consistently shows we’re doing something right here. Of course, we can always improve, but what we’re doing at the moment is good. It shows that players don’t need to move away from this Club to get the recognition they deserve.”
In addition to all those on international duty, a further seven young Hammers were also on standby to represent their nations.
“We had players on standby, so that number could have been even higher,” Brown continued. “It just goes to show the environment everyone creates at Chadwell Heath and Rush Green allows players to fulfil their ambitions and potential.
“It’s a great achievement for the players, but you shouldn’t gauge yourself solely on whether you’re in the international set-up or not. We’ve got some top players who weren’t included. Your day-to-day work, the bulk of your development, happens here at West Ham, and the only way you earn those opportunities is through what you do at your club.”
The depth of talent also extends to the goalkeeping position, with West Ham United’s Academy represented in the England U19s (Herrick) and U17s squads (Awesu), as well as Hungary’s senior squad (Hegyi).