Rashford, Abraham and three other England players with big seasons ahead of them in Premier League

Sport360 staff 16:20 10/08/2017
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  • The Premier League is full of foreign stars after another summer of big-money transfers.

    But who are the young English players seeking to make their mark in the competition?

    Here, Press Association Sport identifies five English youngsters with big seasons ahead of them.

    MARCUS RASHFORD (Manchester United)

    Having had his path blocked as United’s centre-forward by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rashford saw Romelu Lukaku take over the number nine shirt following the Belgian’s summer arrival from Everton in a deal worth an initial £75million.

    So Rashford – who turns 20 in October – is facing a second season of moving to the wings as United boss Jose Mourinho seeks to utilise the England international’s burning pace.

    It may not see Rashford emulate the scoring exploits of his breakthrough season under Mourinho’s predecessor Louis van Gaal, but he is good enough to be a big player in a campaign of high expectation at Old Trafford.

    Marcus Rashford

    Marcus Rashford

    JORDAN PICKFORD (Everton)

    The 23-year-old became England’s most expensive goalkeeper – and third on the world list – with a £30million summer switch to Everton.

    But Pickford showed in Sunderland’s vain relegation battle last term that he is capable of becoming one of the best goalkeepers around.

    Blessed with a calm temperament beyond his years, Pickford has distribution skills desired in the modern game to go with his undoubted ability to stop shots and collect crosses.

    If Pickford’s development continues at its current pace, Everton’s investment will soon be considered a bargain.

     Jordan Pickford

    Jordan Pickford

    DEMARAI GRAY (Leicester)

    Signed from Birmingham halfway through Leicester’s title-winning 2015-16 campaign. Gray was always going to need patience to make his mark at the King Power Stadium.

    But that patience appears to be wearing thin after the fleet-footed winger made only nine Premier League starts last season.

    Gray’s representatives spoke to the Leicester hierarchy this summer about the prospect of more game time for their client and that ambition could hinge on Riyad Mahrez’s future with the Foxes.

    But with Premier League rivals circling, the 21-year-old is unlikely to be short of offers were he to become available.

    Demarai Gray

    Demarai Gray

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (Liverpool)

    Made his senior Liverpool debut last October and still has only two Premier League starts to his name.

    But such was the maturity he showed during his first-team opportunities – most notably in a frenetic 1-1 draw at Manchester United in January – that there are plenty of observers who believe that regular right-back Nathaniel Clyne could soon be under pressure for his place.

    It is a theory that could be put to the test with Clyne set to miss the start of the season through injury.

    Whatever happens, the 18-year-old’s pace, directness and technical ability identifies him as one to watch.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold

    Trent Alexander-Arnold

    TAMMY ABRAHAM (Swansea)

    The 20-year-old Chelsea striker is ready for the next stage of his career after scoring 26 goals while on loan at Bristol City in the Sky Bet Championship last season.

    Abraham has everything a focal-point striker needs today: size, strength and a ruthless streak in front of goal.

    Having signed a new five-year contract at Chelsea, the England Under-21 international has headed out loan again to Swansea to gain Premier League experience.

    Abraham will have a wise tutor in Fernando Llorente (if the Spaniard stays at Swansea) and another successful season could see him return to Stamford Bridge ready to challenge for a first-team place there.

    Tammy Abraham

    Tammy Abraham

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