Why more English footballers are moving abroad – Report

Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle in the summer Photo: GETTY IMAGES

An increasing number of England’s top footballers are choosing to play outside the Premier League, with the experience of competing in different European leagues helping them develop their skills, confidence and tactical understanding.

According to a report by BBC Sport on Sunday, players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon have become key figures for England despite pursuing their club careers abroad.

Kane plays for Bayern Munich in Germany, Bellingham represents Real Madrid in Spain, while Gordon has joined Barcelona.

The growing trend has also been reflected in England’s national team, with seven players in the initial 25-man squad playing their club football outside the country.

Football Association technical director John McDermott described the development as a positive for English football, saying exposure to different leagues and football cultures could improve players’ overall development.

He explained that playing abroad gives footballers opportunities to experience different tactical approaches while also allowing them more time to work on their physical conditioning and technical abilities.

McDermott said players competing in European competitions could benefit from having fewer domestic fixtures than those playing in England’s demanding football calendar.

He also highlighted the personal benefits of moving abroad, including learning new languages, adapting to different environments and developing independence.

According to him, such experiences can help players become more technically and tactically accomplished while broadening their understanding of the game.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has also welcomed the contributions of players based abroad, particularly Kane, Bellingham and Gordon, whose performances have been influential for the national team.

Tuchel said there was no reason the trio could not continue playing decisive roles for England, while stressing that Premier League-based players also had the ability to make significant contributions.

Gordon, who moved to Barcelona, said he felt his footballing qualities were receiving greater recognition since joining the Spanish giants.

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The winger argued that while he was previously appreciated in England for his pace and pressing ability, his technical quality and football intelligence were now attracting more attention.

He has impressed at Barcelona, recording three goals and five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions, according to the report.

England captain Kane also praised Gordon, saying the winger was demonstrating that he belonged at the highest level with both Barcelona and the national team.

Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin equally welcomed the growing presence of English players at major European clubs, saying their experiences abroad could benefit the national team.

However, McDermott stressed that playing abroad was not the only route to development, noting that footballers could also improve significantly while playing in England.

He cited the experiences of Jarell Quansah and Jobe Bellingham, who developed through English football before moving to Germany.

McDermott added that England had about 26 to 27 per cent English-qualified players in the Premier League, while estimating that between 40 and 50 English players were competing at Champions League level or in European football.

He maintained that the challenge for the national team was to bring together players with different footballing experiences and styles into a cohesive unit.

According to him, the increasing exposure of England internationals to German, Spanish, Italian and other European football cultures could provide additional dimensions to the national team’s playing style.

The development suggests that, beyond financial opportunities and the attraction of Europe’s biggest clubs, English players are increasingly viewing moves abroad as a means of improving their careers and expanding their footballing experience.

The trend reflects a growing willingness among English footballers to seek opportunities outside the Premier League, with different football cultures and playing styles offering new challenges.