England's 2017 U17 World Cup Winners: Where Are They Now?

On October 28, 2017, England's U17 squad made history by winning the World Cup for the first time. Steve Cooper's team swept through the group stage in India with three straight wins, then defeated Japan, the United States, and Brazil to reach the final against Spain. Although England fell behind 2-0 early in the final, they mounted a fierce comeback and secured a 5-2 victory, thrilling the nation with their hunger and teamwork.

Nearly nine years later, the players from that victorious squad have experienced varied paths. Some have played at senior international levels, others are carving careers in lower leagues or abroad, and a few have struggled to stay in the professional game. Here's a look at where those players are today.

Goalkeepers

• Curtis Anderson: After playing a key role in the 2017 triumph, Anderson's career stalled. He left Manchester City to join Charlotte Independence but was released within months. He later had brief stints at Wycombe Wanderers, Walton Casuals, Eastbourne, Lancaster City, and Kendal Town. Anderson retired at 23 in 2023 to become a financial advisor.
• Josef Bursik: Signed by Stoke City in the summer of 2017 but did not make first-team appearances there. Loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Peterborough United, and Lincoln City followed, with his best run at Lincoln as their first-choice keeper. In 2023 he transferred to Club Brugge but made no appearances. Currently, after joining Portsmouth in 2025, Bursik is on loan at AFC Wimbledon for the 2026/27 season.
• Billy Crellin: Limited to just one appearance in the 2017 tournament due to competition. Developed at Fleetwood Town and spent time with FC United of Manchester, Chorley, and Bolton Wanderers. Everton signed him in January 2022 but he only played with their U21s. Now 26, he plays for Glentoran in Northern Ireland.

Defenders

• Steven Sessegnon: Played five matches in the tournament, including the final, providing two assists. Started at Fulham with 15 appearances in 2019/20 but struggled afterward. Loaned to Charlton Athletic in 2022 and currently with AFC Wimbledon in League One, trailing behind the career trajectory of his twin brother Ryan at Fulham.
• Timothy Eyoma: Rose through Tottenham Hotspur's ranks, debuting for their senior team in an FA Cup match in 2019. Had loan spells at Lincoln City, later joined them permanently in 2021. Featured six times for England U19s. Released by Lincoln after the 2023/24 season and now plays for Lommel SK in Belgium’s top division.
• Lewis Gibson: Found it hard to settle into Everton's first team. Experienced multiple loans to Fleetwood, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Bristol Rovers. Joined Plymouth Argyle on a free transfer two years ago, making 63 appearances before moving on. Currently a regular defender for Preston North End in the Championship.
• Marc Guehi: A standout centre-back who graduated from Chelsea’s academy. At 26, Guehi plays for Manchester City and has earned 40 caps for England since his debut in March 2022. In October 2024, he became the first Crystal Palace player to reach 20 England caps while at the club. His steady performances helped England’s runs in Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
• Jonathan Panzo: Came through Chelsea’s youth setup before playing in France with Monaco and Dijon. Returned to England with Nottingham Forest in 2023 but was loaned out multiple times, including to Coventry, Cardiff, and Standard Liege. Now plays for Levadiakos F.C. in Greece. Earned 20 caps with England U17s and appeared five times for the U21s.
• Joel Latibeaudiere: Vice-captain during the 2017 campaign and ever-present on the pitch. After loans at FC Twente and a spell at Swansea City, he now plays for Coventry City. Switched international allegiance to Jamaica in May 2022, has made 34 appearances since then. His choice was seen as a loss given his contributions to England’s youth success.

Midfielder

• George McEachran: Former Chelsea youth player who won several trophies alongside the 2017 World Cup. After loan periods at Dutch clubs SC Cambuur and MVV Maastricht, Chelsea released him in 2022 without a senior appearance. Joined Swindon Town in 2023, making 55 appearances with two assists before moving to Grimsby Town in 2024. Currently plays for Chesterfield in League Two.