The U23 XI for England 

Attack

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford in action

On the left of the front three is Marcus Rashford. Still only 22, the Manchester United forward already has scored more than 50 goals in around 170 games for club and country combined. Having come through United's academy, Rashford is blessed with terrific pace and has consistently improved his end product. Capable of playing through the middle and on the left, Rashford is a proven match winner.

Tammy has been Chelsea's main goalscorer this season

Leading the line for this team is Chelsea's Tammy Abraham. A proven goalscorer in both the Championship and Premier League, Tammy recently earned an England senior call-up. Tammy has been impressive for Chelsea this season, establishing himself as a starter ahead of the likes of Giroud and Batshuyai. He already has 15 goals in 37 apperances this season.

Jadon Sancho is already world-class at just 20

On the right is Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho. Possibly the best player in this lineup, Sancho's numbers in the last two seasons have been Messi-esque. For consecutive seasons now, Sancho has reached double digits in both goals and assists in the Bundesliga. Still only 20, Sancho has been linked with the likes of United, Chelsea and Liverpool for return to the Premier League. A Manchester City academy graduate, Sancho moved to Dortmund at 17 in order to get more gametime.

Notable mentions

Arsenal's Saka did not find a place in this XI

The competition was much more difficult in some spots than others. While the goalkeeper and centre backs were relatively easier choices, the fullbacks had more competition. Like mentioned earlier, Trent Alexander-Arnold faced stiff competition from the likes of Aaron Wan Bissaka, Reece James and Max Aarons at right back whereas Chilwell had to compete with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Brandon Williams and Ryan Sessegnon. In attacking midfield, Chelsea's Mason Mount and Norwich's Todd Cantwell are worth a shout. Everton striker Dominic Calvert Lewin came very close and the likes of Callum Hudson Odoi, Reiss Nelson and Mason Greenwood should also be mentioned.

This abundance of quality is down to the academies of the English clubs. As we have seen this season, Chelsea and Arsenal's academy graduates have been excellent. United's famed academy has produced a number of legendary players including the Class of 92. While their production quality might have died down a little the fact that they can still produce players like Rashford and Greenwood is remarkable.

Manchester United RB Aaron Wan Bissaka is a wonderful tackler