Jude Bellingham – 2020 (17 years, 4 months and 14 days)
The third-youngest debutant in England history, Jude Bellingham made his first appearance for the Three Lions against the Republic of Ireland in November 2020. The following summer, he was included in the squad for the European Championship but featured sporadically as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the final.
Three years on, Bellingham is starring at Real Madrid and will be the driving force in England’s bid to win Euro 2024 this summer. Still just 20, he has already won 28 caps.
Wayne Rooney – 2004 (17 years, 3 months and 19 days)
Rooney fever swept through English football in the early 2000s when the young Liverpudlian burst onto the Premier League scene. His remarkable goal against Arsenal at the age of 16 quickly earned him a call-up to the England national team.
Making his debut against Australia, he became the youngest player to represent England at that time. Just a year later, he made history again by becoming England’s youngest-ever goal scorer with a goal against Macedonia at the age of 17 years and 317 days.
Theo Walcott – 2006 (17 years, 2 months and 14 days)
Theo Walcott made history by becoming England’s youngest-ever player, surpassing Rooney’s record, during his debut against Hungary in 2006.
It is remarkable to note that Walcott achieved this feat even before making an appearance in the Premier League. Sven-Göran Eriksson took a risk by selecting the talented teenager, who had already showcased his skills at Southampton before joining Arsenal. Despite being included in the squad for the 2006 World Cup, Walcott did not get a chance to play.