England’s overseas stars offer new route to international success

The Premier League is no longer an automatic destination for England’s best young players, with an increasing number choosing to develop their careers abroad in search of different challenges, greater recognition and experience of other football cultures.

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon are among the most prominent examples. The England trio play for major European clubs outside the country, reflecting a shift in the career choices of English players and raising questions about how the trend could affect the national team.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, only one player based in the Premier League – Spain midfielder Rodri in 2024 – has won the award. Michael Owen, in 2001, remains the last English player to claim it while playing in England.

The movement gathered pace when Jadon Sancho joined Borussia Dortmund in 2017 as a teenager. He became an example of how English talents could progress away from the pressure and demanding schedule of the Premier League.

Seven of England’s 25-man squad currently play overseas, according to BBC Sport, including Kane, Bellingham and Gordon. England manager Thomas Tuchel believes those experiences can benefit the team rather than cause concern.

“Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were decisive for us at the World Cup, and I see no reason why they cannot continue to do that in the future,” he said.

“It is great that Anthony has raised his level and is now the third player in this group. Playing outside England carries a certain importance, but that does not mean players in the Premier League cannot excel and play decisive roles for the national team.”

John McDermott, the Football Association’s technical director, is monitoring about 43 English players in leagues across Europe. He says playing abroad can provide opportunities that may not be available in England.

“I have spoken to several players who are playing outside England, and they are gaining a variety of experiences in different leagues, as well as in the Champions League and other European competitions,” McDermott told BBC Sport.

Players abroad may also avoid the heaviest domestic schedules. While some English Football League players can play 46 matches in a season, others overseas may not have to play 55, giving them more time to work on strength, fitness and technical skills.

“The busy fixture schedule is great in itself, but for some players, having extra time to train and develop their technical skills or other areas of their performance is a significant advantage,” McDermott said.

He also believes adapting to a new dressing room and learning another language can build independence and character.

“Development should not be limited to technical and tactical aspects,” he added. “Young players also need cultural experiences and exposure to different environments. Those experiences protect them from becoming too comfortable.”

Gordon, 25, has said his move to Barcelona changed how his qualities were viewed. He has scored three goals and made five assists in 15 appearances in all competitions, playing alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

“I always felt people in England valued me for my pace and pressing, but they did not really appreciate the quality and football intelligence I possess,” Gordon told ITV.

“Being at Barcelona and playing in a different style has made those qualities clearer. People are beginning to understand that I am not just a fast player.”

McDermott cited Kieran Trippier’s return from Atletico Madrid as another example.

“He was already a good player, but I noticed that he had become more technically precise and there had been a clear improvement in his performance,” he said.

However, McDermott stressed that moving abroad is not the only route to progress. Jarrell Quansah and Job Bellingham developed significantly in the English Football League before moving to Germany.

“There are different ways to achieve success,” he said. “I do not believe there is a magic formula or one path that should be regarded as the only way to develop players.”

England reached the World Cup semi-finals last summer for only the third time in their history. McDermott believes the national team can benefit from combining players shaped in England with those who have worked in Spain, Germany and Italy.

“Different cultural experiences and exposure to different styles of football are fantastic, but the manager’s responsibility is to find the right blend,” he said.

Gordon’s impact has also been felt internationally. He set up both of Kane’s goals against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 32, won a penalty in the win over Mexico in the last 16 and scored England’s opening goal in their semi-final against Argentina.

Kane has praised Gordon’s ability to perform at the highest level for both Barcelona and England. Leeds and England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin also welcomed the trend.

“Having top-class English players at major European clubs is hugely positive for English football and the national team,” he said. “They gain different experiences, grow in confidence and bring those lessons back to the group.”