The World Cup winners who are struggling to get a game

The dust had barely settled on england’s Under 20 World Cup triumph in June when attention turned to the future.

The leap from youth football to first-team action is a big one, so how would Paul Simpson’s youngsters fare away from the glow of england’s biggest international title since 1966?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (right) hit the only goal in the final against Venezuela and the everton forward has used the momentum to establish himself in Ronald Koeman’s squad. he has played in all seven of everton’s games this season, starting twice in the Premier League, and scored in england Under 21s’ 1-1 draw with holland last week.

however, he makes up two thirds of all top-flight starts made by players from the winning Under 20 squad, with Kyle Walker-Peters’ debut in Tottenham’s opener the only other start.

The problem facing england’s young stars can be summed up by goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Luke Southwood.

Woodman’s second-half penalty save in the final was as important as Calvert-Lewin’s goal in the 1-0 win, but he is yet to play a minute of first- team football for Newcastle.

In contrast, Southwood, Woodman’s deputy with england, left Reading on loan and has made seven starts for National League South side Bath City, the most of england’s Under 20s.

Similarly, Newcastle’s pacy striker Adam Armstrong and everton playmaker Kieran Dowell have established themselves on loan at Bolton and Nottingham Forest, while Sheyi Ojo has impressed since joining Fulham on loan from Liverpool.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was reluctant to send Josh Onomah away, believing the midfielder’s development was best served under his watchful eye, but he relented and has been vindicated by Onomah’s bright start at Aston Villa. Manchester United’s Dean henderson and Middlesbrough’s harrison Chapman have also earned on- pitch minutes down the divisions, but the Under 20 stars who stayed are yet to make the breakthrough.

Dominic Solanke was awarded player of the tournament in South Korea, but has not started since joining Liverpool. Under 20s captain Lewis Cook has made one start, in the Carabao Cup, for Bournemouth this season and Ademola Lookman has not matched everton team- mate Calvert-Lewin’s impact.

Calvert-Lewin, 20, says he has benefited from former england captain Wayne Rooney’s ‘ little pointers’ in training, but the influence of star team-mates can only go so far. Without first- team action, the glory of June’s triumph threatens to be the highlight of too many players’ careers.