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Two bright prospects from England have earned places on the Women's NXGN 2026 list, but that only begins to tell the story of the depth of talent emerging from one of the most successful nations in women’s football. Under Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses have claimed consecutive European Championship titles and reached the final of the latest World Cup, setting the stage for a promising future thanks to the strength of the next generation.

The progress of England’s youth teams in recent years underlines this potential. After advancing to the Under-17 European Championship semi-finals in 2023, they went a step further by reaching the final in 2024. Later that year, England finished fourth at the U17 World Cup — their first appearance in the competition since 2016. The U19s also shone, reaching the semi-finals of their European Championship and securing qualification for the U20 World Cup for the first time since 2018, which will take place later this year.

It’s no surprise, then, that Wiegman is keen to integrate some of these rising stars into her senior setup. Last year, she handed several players their first call-ups and debuts, with Michelle Agyemang — ranked 10th on the NXGN 2025 list — emerging as England’s breakout player of the year. With such a clear pathway now in place, youth coaches are challenging their players to be the next to step up, and many are ready to answer that call.

So who are the promising young talents that England fans should be watching closely? Here are 10 players, all born on or after January 1, 2007, who have the potential to become future stars for the Lionesses.

Jessica Anderson (Manchester United)

Since the start of this year, Manchester United supporters have had glimpses of several exciting young players emerging from the club’s renowned academy. Layla Drury, a Wales youth international who recently joined the England U19s, scored on her debut in the FA Cup win over Burnley in January. Just a month later, Jessica Anderson — who had found the net in pre-season against Real Betis — made her competitive debut in the Champions League knockout clash with Atletico Madrid.

Anderson has featured regularly for England’s youth teams and has spent much of this season training with United’s senior squad, impressing head coach Marc Skinner. Traditionally a midfielder, she has been deployed further forward recently, and it was on the wing that she made her first-team debut. Her quick feet, relentless work rate, and surprising physicality for a 17-year-old stood out immediately. Her progress has also been recognised by England, who recently promoted her to the U20 squad.

Lola Brown (Chelsea)

Lola Brown’s performances are a joy to watch. A direct, skilful, and confident winger, she was a standout performer in England’s run to the U17 Euro final in 2024, where she was named in the tournament’s Best XI. Brown made promising appearances for Chelsea last season, earning praise from head coach Sonia Bompastor, who described her as one of the most talented young players in England with the right mindset to succeed.

Currently on loan at Crystal Palace in the second tier, Brown is gaining valuable senior experience to strengthen her physical game. Regular minutes at this level should help her refine her already dynamic attacking style and sharp end product.

Laila Harbert (Arsenal)

Laila Harbert seems to possess all the attributes required to thrive at the top level. Technically refined and tactically astute, the defensive midfielder continues to mature physically through varied experiences, including spells with Watford and Southampton in the second division before a stint in the United States with the Portland Thorns. There, she learned from top U.S. internationals Sam Coffey and Olivia Moultrie.

A natural leader who has captained England’s youth sides, Harbert is now on loan at Everton as she works towards her long-term goal of breaking into Arsenal’s senior team. She has already featured in Champions League squads and played in a friendly in Australia. With changes expected in Arsenal’s midfield, opportunities for her could soon open up.

Omotara Junaid (Florida State)

While many top American players now go straight into the NWSL, the college route continues to produce excellent footballers — including international talents. Arsenal academy graduate and England youth international Omotara Junaid is one such player, beginning her college career at Florida State University last year.

Junaid, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria, is a versatile midfielder capable of playing box-to-box, as a winger, or even at full-back. She captained Arsenal’s U21s at just 16 and gained pre-season first-team exposure. Her experience in the U.S. — both on and off the field — will be invaluable in shaping her development.

Nelly Las (Leicester City)

Nelly Las enjoyed a mini-breakout campaign last season. With injuries in the Leicester squad, former manager Amandine Miquel handed her several chances from the bench and a couple of starts, which she seized with dynamic performances. Her highlight came with a goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Miquel praised her “excellent quality on the ball” and highlighted her “speed and ability to sustain high-intensity runs repeatedly.” Although opportunities have been fewer this season, leading to a loan move to Ipswich in January, her future remains bright. She was named in the U17 Euro Team of the Tournament in 2024 after helping England reach the final.

Rachel Maltby (Aston Villa)

Left-back has often been a problem position for England, but Rachel Maltby’s rise offers hope. Operating mainly as a wing-back, the 19-year-old has played more minutes in that role than any other English player in the Women’s Super League this season. Her background as a more attacking player gives her an added edge, combining a strong final delivery with superb athleticism.

Her tactical awareness continues to improve as she gains top-level experience. A standout in England’s run to the U17 World Cup semi-finals in 2024, she will look to make a similar impression at the U20 edition later this year.

Erica Parkinson (Valadares Gaia)

Erica Parkinson is one of the most captivating young players in England’s system. Born in Singapore to an English father and Japanese mother, she has flourished in Portugal with Valadares Gaia, winning Liga BPI’s Best Young Player award last season. Already this year, she’s on course to surpass her previous tally of four goals and three assists.

Parkinson is a creative playmaker with a unique flair. Her ability to glide past defenders, create chances, and take on shots makes her exciting to watch. She also works tirelessly off the ball and has impressed for England’s U23s, often standing out despite being younger than most teammates. Eligible for four nations, she has pledged her international future to England.

Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea)

Having previously led Lyon’s academy, Sonia Bompastor is known for trusting young players. That confidence is evident in her decision to involve 16-year-old Chloe Sarwie in Chelsea’s first team this season. Sarwie has also represented England’s U23s at the same early age, showcasing remarkable maturity.

Defensively solid and an accomplished dribbler, Sarwie contributes effectively at both ends of the pitch. With England historically short of left-backs, her progress is particularly encouraging. A loan move could soon accelerate her development, though opportunities may also arise at Chelsea given the rotation in that position.

Zara Shaw (Liverpool)

Zara Shaw’s journey has been marred by unfortunate injuries. In 2023, aged just 16, she was on the verge of breaking into Liverpool’s senior team after shining at the U17 Euros. However, an ACL injury halted her progress. She recovered to feature before the end of the 2023-24 campaign and impressed again at the U17 World Cup, only to suffer another ACL injury at the close of the 2024-25 season.

Despite the setbacks, Shaw remains one of England’s most gifted young players. A centre-back for her country and often deployed in midfield for Liverpool, she combines tactical intelligence with excellent technical skills and physical resilience. The hope is that her injury struggles are only temporary interruptions in what promises to be a stellar career.

Cecily Wellesley-Smith (Arsenal)

Cecily Wellesley-Smith’s path to senior football has been slightly unconventional. She was already playing first-team football in England’s third tier at 16 with Oxford United, where her displays soon earned her a move to Arsenal.

A standout in England’s youth teams — including a place in the U17 Euro Team of the Tournament in 2024 — Arsenal have since sought to give her more top-level experience. After limited minutes at Leicester earlier this season, she has gained valuable playing time on loan with Swedish side Rosengard, continuing her steady progression towards top-flight football.