With the Young Lions enjoying a tremendous 2017, there is great reason to be excited if you are an Englishman.

After waiting 51 years for an English team to win another World Cup, the Under-20's ended that long wait earlier on in the summer after achieving glory in South Korea.

Whilst they were winning the World Cup, another English Under-20 side were competing in the prestigious Toulon Tournament, and they too won that competition, highlighting the strength in depth at that age group.

The Under 21's had a good showing in the Under-21's European Championships, but they went home disappointed after losing out to Germany on penalties in the semi-finals.

England also won the Under-19 European Championship for the first time in 24 years, and then the Under 17's then ended what was almost a perfect summer for the Young Lions by winning the World Cup - with a hugely impressive 5-2 mauling of Spain in the final.

With success pretty much at every youth level, it is evident that the future is bright for England.

A NUMBER OF ENGLISH YOUNGSTERS STOOD OUT

At Under-20 level, Dominic Solanke proved he could be a star of the future as he won the Golden Ball for that tournament, an award given to the best player in the competition.

Freddie Woodman was also awarded the Golden Glove at the same tournament, an award given out to the best goalkeeper.

At the Under-19 European Championships, Mason Mount was given the best player award, whereas England had four representatives at the team of the Tournament: Dujon Sterling, Tayo Edun, Mason Mount and Ryan Sessegnon.

And most recently at the Under-17's World Cup, Rhian Brewster hit the headlines with eight goals in the tournament, including back-to-back hat-tricks, but it was Man City's Phil Foden that was awarded the best player of the tournament.

GARETH SOUTHGATE NAMES TWO HE IS 'EXCITED' BY

So it was a tremendous summer for England, with multiple youngsters announcing their name on the world stage.

And after picking England's team for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil, Southgate commented how excited he was for the future, before naming two players that he believes could transform into stars in the coming years.

Southgate said: "I am excited by young English players that are coming through.

"I’m excited by Foden and (Jadon) Sancho."

Although most would have heard of Foden after his heroics for the Under-17's, fans may not be as familiar with Sancho.

Sancho also looks to have been identified as a star of the future, and his reputation was enhanced after he made a £8 million move from Manchester City to Dortmund in the summer.

He was also at the Under-17 World Cup, but he returned home after the group stages, where he notched three goals in three games.

Despite being only 17-years-old, Sancho has already made his debut for the German club.

If they continue their progression, it is likely that Southgate will give both of them a call-up to the full national side in the near future.