sport news England U17s star Noni Madueke followed Jadon Sancho example by moving abroad

The attitude of England's young footballers has changed, inspired by a year of glory in 2017.

The Three Lions' age group sides established England as one of the nations to be feared two years ago thanks to success at every level from under-17s up to under-21s.

The legacy of that is England's hopefuls now head to tournaments not only convinced they can win them but also that there is no longer any need to wait for the first-team opportunities their international rivals are getting much sooner.

Noni Madueke poses for his official portrait ahead of the Under-17 European Championship

Noni Madueke poses for his official portrait ahead of the Under-17 European Championship

Madueke in action for PSV Eindhoven's under-19 side against their big rivals Ajax last month

Madueke in action for PSV Eindhoven's under-19 side against their big rivals Ajax last month

If they can beat them on the big stage, why shouldn't they play as much as them at club level?

Jadon Sancho, a member of England's under-17s back then, has emerged as the trailblazer for England's kids after quitting Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund in August 2017 and being vindicated by quickly becoming a Bundesliga regular and senior international valued at over £100m by his club.

The current crop of under-17s launch their European Championship bid in Ireland on Friday night and qualified thanks to some dramatic late heroics from a player who also encapsulates England's new generation.

Attacking midfielder Noni Madueke, scored two goals in England's decisive final qualifier against Denmark in March to transform a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win for Steve Cooper's side.

It was a moment of real pride for the 17 year-old who left Tottenham last summer to join PSV, turning down more money at Manchester United for that coveted, clearer route to first-team football.

Madueke made the decision to leave Tottenham for PSV to pursue first-team football

Madueke made the decision to leave Tottenham for PSV to pursue first-team football

U17 Euros draw 

GROUP A

Republic of Ireland (hosts), Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece

GROUP B

Holland, France, England, Sweden

GROUP C

Iceland, Portugal, Hungary, Russia

GROUP D

Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria 

He says: 'There have been so many talented English players that have been stuck around 23s squads.

'People are now starting to realise that if they want to play and they're good enough then why not go abroad if the opportunity is there?

'I looked at the young players that have moved like Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson on loan [to Hoffenheim from Arsenal].

'And there are so many young players in first teams at the top level like at PSV, Ajax.

'Players like Frenkie De Jong, all of these guys. I thought if I want to get to the first team as quickly as possible then I have to move from Tottenham and come to PSV.

'As long as I keep

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