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      Dortmund sensation Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, makes Bundesliga debut vs Hertha to become youngest German footballer ever

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      YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO made his long-awaited debut for Borussia Dortmund – smashing a Bundesliga record.
      The outrageously talented striker came off the bench to replace Erling Haaland in the 85th minute against Hertha Berlin – with the eyes of the footballing world upon him.

      Youssoufa Moukoko makes his long-awaited debut for Borussia Dortmund replacing Erling HaalandCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Moukoko has become the youngest ever German pro footballerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      With his brief cameo, the German wonderkid became the youngest ever German pro footballer – having only turned 16 on November 20.
      His debut in the 5-2 win comes after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules to allow players younger than the cut off point of 16 and a half to play.
      And there’s every chance he could break another record, after he was included in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      The German side face Club Brugge on Tuesday, and if he appears he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      Moukoko’s appearance tonight was widely expected, and he’s been tipped for the top since he was 12.
      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16.

      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward was training with Lucien Favre’s first team.
      The original Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      Now he has, the future looks exciting for Dortmund fans.

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

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      Borussia Dortmund goal-machine Erling Haaland wins Golden Boy 2020 award beating Sancho, Foden and Fati to gong

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Erling Haaland has won the 2020 Golden Boy award.
      Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Bukayo Saka, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Phil Foden were among the names on the 20-man shortlist.

      Erling Haaland has continued to impress for Dortmund this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Golden Boy award is given to the best young player under the age of 21 across the European Leagues.
      Tuttosport run the award and a panel of experts are used as part of the voting process.
      Haaland has been crowned as this year’s winner following his incredible 2019-20 season.
      The Norwegian striker scored an impressive 44 goals in all competitions last term.

      He scored 28 times for RB Salzburg before he joined the German giants for £17.1million.
      Barcelona’s Ansu Fati came second in the voting while Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies finished in third.
      Jadon Sancho – who is Manchester United’s top transfer target – came in fourth.
      Rennes star and fellow United target Eduardo Camavinga rounded off the top five.

      Erling Haaland pipped Borussia Dortmund team-mate Jadon Sancho to the awardCredit: AFP or licensors

      Haaland has continued to impress this season with 11 goals in 11 matches in all competitions.
      Unsurprisingly, the former Molde man has attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and United.
      His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, has addressed the speculation surrounding the 20-year-old.
      He told SPORT1: “When you play well, it’s only logical that big clubs knock on your door, but we’re talking about speculation here.
      “At the moment it’s not in Erling’s or my head that another club will be vying for him.
      “We signed a long term contract with Dortmund and they have a fantastic team for Erling right now.
      “We don’t want to look any further ahead.”
      But he refused to rule out a move away from Dortmund for the skilful striker.

      Golden Boy 2020: Final 20-man shortlist

      Mason Greenwood (Man Utd)
      Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
      Phil Foden (Man City)
      Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
      Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
      Ferran Torres (Man City)
      Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)
      Fabio Silva (Wolves)
      Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
      Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
      Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
      Sergino Dest (Barcelona)
      Dejan Kulusevski (Juventus)
      Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes)
      Mitchel Bakker (PSG)
      Jonathan David (Lille)
      Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
      Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax)
      Dominik Szoboszlai (Red Bull Salzburg)
      Sandro Tonali (AC Milan)

      He continued: “You never know what will happen. We haven’t talked about such a step yet.
      “I think he would like to win some trophies with Dortmund. That is his goal.
      “Erling can still achieve a lot in Germany and make great progress. Moving abroad is not a priority for us.
      “I sometimes thin he wants to and can assert himself in any league.
      “At the moment, he is happy in the Bundesliga and focused on Dortmund.
      “He just wants to a better player and doesn’t look too far ahead.”
      But it is reported that a verbal agreement is in place for Haaland to leave Dortmund in 2022.

      Golden Boy award: Winners

      2003 – Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax)
      2004 – Wayne Rooney (Everton / Man Utd)
      2005 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2006 – Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
      2007 – Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)
      2008 – Anderson (Man Utd)
      2009 – Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)
      2010 – Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan / Man City)
      2011 – Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)
      2012 – Isco (Malaga)
      2013 – Paul Pogba (Juventus)
      2014 – Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
      2015 – Anthony Martial (Monaco / Man Utd)
      2016 – Renato Sanches (Benfica / Bayern Munich)
      2017 – Kylian Mbappe (Monaco / PSG)
      2018 – Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
      2019 – Joao Felix (Benfica / Atletico Madrid)
      2020 – Erling Haaland (Red Bull Salzburg / Borrusia Dortmund)

      Man Utd transfer target Haaland has ‘verbal agreement’ to leave Dortmund More

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      Man Utd transfer boost as Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule ‘dreams of Old Trafford move’ amid Solskjaer interest

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      BAYERN MUNICH centre-back Niklas Sule reportedly ‘dreams’ of joining Manchester United once he decides to depart the Bundesliga.
      The Germany international – who still has two years left to run on his deal at the Allianz Arena – was targeted by the Red Devils last year.

      Niklas Sule is reportedly keen on a move to join Manchester United in the future

      Sule, 25, remained in Bavaria, where he helped the club win the league, cup and Champions League last season.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      But it appears that he has already made up his mind on the next chapter of his career.
      According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, the ex-Hoffenheim defender has set his sights on a future move to Old Trafford.

      Taking to Twitter, the German football expert said: “True: Niklas Sule dreams of playing for @ManUtd one day.”
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to be desperate to bring in a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire at the back.
      And with Sule said to be keen to link up with the club, United could look to reignite their interest in him.
      United are also believed to be interested in prising away Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig.

      The France international is expected to depart the German side in 2021, and he could decide his future as early as January.

      Touted as one of the most talented defenders in Europe, the 22-year-old boasts just a £40million release clause in his contract.
      United are looking to offload Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, and there remains question marks over Eric Bailly.
      Solskjaer’s men have struggled defensively this season having shipped in 14 Premier League goals in seven games – losing on three occasions.

      Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill More

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      PSG star Julian Draxler wanted by Hertha Berlin and Sevilla in January transfer after falling out-of-favour under Tuchel

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      PSG star Julian Draxler is wanted by Hertha Berlin and Sevilla in January after falling out of favour under his manager Thomas Tuchel.
      The attacker was once a highly-rated and linked to several Premier League clubs, but now is struggling to find a way into PSG’s star-studded team.

      Draxler has been linked to a number of clubs and will likely have his pick when his contract runs down next summerCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Italian outlet Calciomercato report that he is attracting interests from sides across Europe.
      Sevilla and Hertha Berlin are both believed to be monitoring the 27-year-old, who has started half of PSG’s 10 league games this season.
      It is not clear if they will try and pounce in January or wait till the summer, when he will be a free agent.
      Draxler has to compete with the talent of Angel Di Maria, Moise Kean, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for a starting spot.

      And he has struggle for game time despite Neymar and Mbappe being absent for a handful of games already this campaign.
      The German was linked to Leeds while the window was still open.
      But despite the prospect of playing for Marcelo Bielsa, Draxler reportedly did not respond positively to the Elland Road club’s approach.
      It is claimed he had no intention of giving up his Parisian lifestyle with both he and his family settled.

      Draxler has netted two goals so far this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      And he is also believed to have rejected a number of approaches to return back to the Bundesliga.

      Back in April, Arsenal were also rumoured to be interested in Draxler.
      The ace was tipped to move to the Emirates after only making 12 starts that season for Paris Saint-Germain up to that point.
      He is believed to rake in a whopping £120,000-per-week at Parc des Princes which may have hindered Arsenal’s move.

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      Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko set for Bundesliga debut, has a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth £9m, and is a goal-machine

      by

      WHERE were you when Youssoufa Moukoko made his debut for Borussia Dortmund?
      That could be the question on every football fans’ lips, if this outrageously talented striker appears for the Bundesliga giants this weekend at Hertha Berlin.

      Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko has turned 16 and could appear for the Bundesliga giants against Hertha Berlin this weekendCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The German wonderkid is now of age to play first team football, after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules.
      And there’s every chance he will be included in the first team squad, having already been in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      If he does appear, he will be the youngest ever person to play a professional match in Germany.
      Then, if he faces Club Brugge three days later, he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga have changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16, which he turns on November 20.
      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward has been training with Lucien Favre’s first team.

      The current Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      And after the Bundesliga’s new ruling, dubbed the “Moukoko rule”, he could make his first-team bow in the winter – and become Dortmund’s youngster-ever player.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      And thanks to the “Moukoko rule”, this November it appears that Zorc can get his wish.

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

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      David Alaba ‘wants Real Madrid free transfer from Bayern Munich’ and set to begin talks over move in January

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      DAVID ALABA wants a free transfer to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in January – and talks are set to begin soon, according to reports.
      The left-back’s contract runs out at the end of this season and it is believed he already has his sights set on his next destination.

      The Marca headline links Alaba with a free move to Real Madrid

      Alaba reportedly has requested wages of £260kCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the situation is far from wrapped up with other European giants like Juventus, Manchester City and Barcelona prepared to offer big money to lure the 28-year-old to their clubs.
      Marca report that Real Madrid are very much the favourites and the Spanish club are getting ready to pounce.
      The article says Los Blancos are ‘counting the days’ to begin negotiations of Alaba’s pre-contract.
      They are hopeful discussions can proceed amicably following previous deals with Bayern, including Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso.

      And the deal could prove to be good timing for Madrid with their long-serving defender Marcelo under fire for poor performances and Sergio Reguilon sold to Spurs in the summer.
      The rumours of his move comes just days after reports emerged that Alaba was planning a way out of the German club after they failed to meet his wage demands.
      The Austrian is reportedly looking for a bumper package of £260k-a-week with Juventus in the mix to secure his signature.
      Whoever secures Alaba will have to deal with his agent, who Bayern have previously branded a ‘greedy piranha’.

      Club president Uli Hoeness did not take kindly to Pini Zahavi and slammed the agent in a TV interview in September.
      He said: “If you only knew what Mr. Zahavi demands only for himself for David’s signature for an eight-figure sum.
      “That is not at all possible. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”

      David Alaba demonstrates his home workout for Bayern Munich fans More

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      Man Utd ‘to scout Konrad Laimer during RB Leipzig clash next month with Solskjaer eyeing Paul Pogba replacement’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED plan to scout Konrad Laimer when they play RB Leipzig in December, according to reports.
      And the Austrian midfielder could even be seen as a potential Paul Pogba replacement.

      Manchester United are hoping to scout Konrad Laimer in the Champions League game against RB Leipzig next monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to the Manchester Evening News, United are preparing for the Frenchman to leave the club next summer.
      The report adds that the Red Devils will make the most of the upcoming Champions League clash to cast their eye over Leipzig ace Laimer.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side travel to Germany for their final Group H game on December 8.
      Laimer missed the 5-0 thumping at Old Trafford as he continues rehab from an ankle fracture at the end of August.

      But there is a chance he may be back fit again in time to face United.
      Laimer, 23, came through the Red Bull Salzburg academy and has been dubbed by some as the Austrian N’Golo Kante for his tenacity and ability to win the ball back.
      But while his impressive stats – 11.23 defensive duels and 9.29 recoveries per 90 minutes – exceed any United midfielder, he also offers plenty going forward with his passing and dribbling.
      And Laimer’s confidence in a midfield pairing would suit Solskjaer’s system, allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate in the No10 role.

      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo

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      As things stand, the Norwegian has turned to Fred and Scott McTominay as the two sitting midfielders with Pogba unable to fit into the side.
      That has led to the £89million man declaring this season ‘the most difficult period of my career’ and increased speculation he will leave next year, despite the club triggering a contract extension.
      His deal now runs until the summer of 2022, meaning next summer would be the last opportunity to command a hefty fee.
      Speaking during the November international break, Pogba opened up on how tough he is finding life at the moment.
      He said: “I had never known such a difficult period in my career.
      “The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it’s magic.”
      Despite being fully fit all season, Pogba has started just five of United’s 12 matches this season, managing a goal in the Carabao Cup and assists against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.
      The two matches he completed the full 90 minutes were the home defeats against Spurs and Arsenal, conceding penalties in both.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Paul Pogba is enduring a tough time at Old Trafford and could leave the club next yearCredit: AFP or licensors

      Jamie Carragher calls for Man Utd to cash in on Paul Pogba More

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      Chelsea ‘line up Jude Bellingham transfer as alternative to Declan Rice if they can’t land West Ham star’

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      CHELSEA are reportedly considering bidding for Jude Bellingham if they fail to sign Declan Rice.
      The Blues have been heavily linked with West Ham ace Rice but with the Hammers standing firm on their £80million valuation the West Londoners could move for Borussia Dortmund teen Bellingham, 17, instead.

      Chelsea are considering signing Jude Belligham if they fail to land Declan Rice from West HamCredit: Getty – Pool

      Rice is the first name on David Moyes’ West Ham team-sheet and appears happy in East London having been made skipper with club-captain Mark Noble out the team.
      The midfield ace, 21, is also a first-choice starter for Gareth Southgate’s England side.
      And with reports of a bumper new ‘double-your-money’ London Stadium contract in the offing, it will not be easy to prise Rice away from the Hammers.
      Frank Lampard is a big fan of Rice – who played for the Blues’ academy until he was released aged 14.

      But with N’Golo Kante still on the books in the holding midfield role and the difficult nature of the potential transfer, senior Chelsea figures are suggesting they sign Bellingham instead, according to Eurosport.
      Bellingham has been a permanent fixture in Dortmund’s team since his summer move from Birmingham.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      And he has already earned his first England call-up – winning his first cap in the 3-0 friendly win against Ireland last Thursday

      Last week, fellow Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher said Belligham’s rise to the top gives hope to other up and coming stars.

      Gallagher – on loan at West Brom this season – said: “It gives every young England player hope.
      “I think there have been 22 players in the last four years who have gone up to the seniors from the 21s which is obviously a very high number.
      “Having boys like Jude to go up to the seniors is great to see.”

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