West Ham supporters have reason to be excited about a potential golden generation after the latest England squad selections.
While Jarrod Bowen is the only Hammers player among Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad, there are several in the age-group teams.
A key statistic even suggests West Ham’s academy is behind only Manchester City and Chelsea in the entire Premier League.
Choose between club and country… 🤔
Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
West Ham academy stands out after latest England call-ups
Six players from the Academy of Football earned call-ups to the England setup for the March international break.
Finlay Herrick, Airidas Golambeckis and Josh Ajala have regularly been involved in England squads for several years.
Meanwhile, Ezra Mayers, Preston Fearon and Finley Hooper have all been selected for the first time this week.
The six young Hammers are all in similar phases of their careers and will represent England between the U18 and U20 levels.
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Indeed, only Manchester City and Chelsea have more players representing England among those age groups.
This statistic suggests the Hammers may even have a golden generation coming through in the next few seasons.
It is always exciting when a youngster comes through the academy, but it would be great to have a crop emerge at the same time.
Either way, West Ham’s academy deserves great credit for continuing to stand out within English football.
Which West Ham starlet do YOU have the highest hopes for?
Joel Kerr has to be right up there…
Joel Kerr of Northern Ireland controls the ball during the U16 Victory Shield match between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland at Broadwood Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Cumbernauld, Scotland.
Ezra Mayers reacts to England U19s call-up
Ezra Mayers has probably taken the biggest leap of any West Ham youngster this season, making over 10 first-team appearances.
Mayers made his debut against Brighton in the Premier League in December and has shown real promise.
The defender is delighted that his hard work has been rewarded with a call-up to the England U19s this month.
I’m so happy to get called up,” Mayers told whufc.com. “It’s been a long time coming, something I’ve worked towards, not directly, but have thought about in the background. I’m glad the hard work has paid off.
“I got the call from the head coach [Will Antwi], and he said he’s been watching me for a while and he’s happy with how I’ve done this season.
“Starting to make an impression on the first team, he likes my versatility, being able to play centre-back and left-back, and said he’s excited to get working together.”
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