Back in the summer of 2021, England’s football fans had every reason to believe a golden generation was finally blooming.
After reaching the European Championship final, the future looked bright for a talented young squad.
Names like Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ben Chilwell, Kalvin Phillips, and Raheem Sterling dominated the headlines.
Fast forward four years and the fairytale has faded.
These once-promising stars now face uncertain careers, inflated wages, and shattered confidence.
Many have fallen out of favour at their clubs, and some seem adrift without proper guidance.
Marcus Rashford: From Role Model to Rumour Mill
Rashford’s post-Euro 2021 profile was sky-high.
He had just signed a lucrative Nike deal, campaigned for child welfare, and boldly addressed his penalty miss in a heartfelt Instagram post.
But today, the Manchester United forward is struggling with form and relevance.
His recent social media efforts lack the buzz they once had.
A gym selfie with a “no days off” caption drew ridicule instead of praise.
Now potentially heading to Barcelona with a 15% pay cut, Rashford’s off-field brand and playing career are both in decline.
Former mentors like David Beckham and even psychological support were suggested, but seemingly never pursued.
Jack Grealish: Likeable but Lost
Grealish’s record-breaking move to Manchester City was meant to elevate him.
Yet he now finds himself adrift. Though still involved in charitable work, his off-field lifestyle and inflated ego have been quietly questioned.
While still a fan favourite, his footballing trajectory hasn’t matched the hype.
Jadon Sancho: Promise Unfulfilled
Sancho, once seen as a generational talent, has bounced between clubs.
From disciplinary issues in Germany to public spats at Manchester United, his progress has stalled.
Coaches describe a talented player who needs firm guidance, but with a reported salary of £275,000 per week, moving him on is tricky.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Caught in a Glamour Trap
Calvert-Lewin once seemed destined to lead England’s line.
But fashion shoots, a GQ cover, and long goal droughts shifted the narrative.
While he recently became a father and married his long-time partner, his expectations remain sky-high, despite being a free agent.
Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell: Victims of Youth Obsession
At Chelsea, a shift toward younger players has pushed veterans like Sterling and Chilwell out.
Sterling turned down a Saudi move to stay in London and mentor younger talent.
Chilwell, despite professionalism, just doesn’t fit the new profile.
Sterling’s move to Arsenal on loan hasn’t solved much, and communication from Chelsea has been minimal since.
Kalvin Phillips: The Tragic Tale
Perhaps the most lost of them all is Kalvin Phillips.
The Leeds hero, dubbed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo,’ never settled at Manchester City.
Injuries, confusion over Guardiola’s expectations, and a recent Achilles operation have derailed him.
A loan return to Leeds could be a lifeline, but for now, he’s stuck.
A Systemic Problem in Modern Football
What went wrong for this group? High wages, inflated egos, and a lack of tough love seem to be common threads.
Former managers and recruitment staff note that character now plays a bigger role in transfer decisions than ever before.
Clubs even employ ex-security professionals to build psychological profiles.
Some managers avoid players perceived as entitled or difficult.
Others, driven by their own egos, see such signings as personal challenges.
The story of Ravel Morrison serves as a cautionary tale: immense talent squandered across 14 clubs.
What Happens Next?
With massive wages and reputations that no longer match performances, many of these players are stuck.
Clubs like Juventus and Newcastle might take chances, but only on specific terms.
Whether through ego or circumstance, the question remains: will these once-prized talents adapt and accept new realities?
Roy Keane summed it up recently when comparing Michael Olise to Lamine Yamal: “They both have talent.
But Olise trains like rent’s due.” That hunger, once the hallmark of England’s rising stars, seems to have faded.
Now, it’s up to them to get it back.
