England's Revolution

World U20 and U17 champions for the first time in their history, as well as being champions of the U19 European Championship and runners-up in the U17 – losing the final on penalties against Spain – this magical 2017 could be the turning point that the inventors of football have been waiting for to dominate a game in which they have played secondary roles. These trophies look good alongside their success in the Champions League, with all five teams reaching the round of 16, only one of them finishing second in their group, and a combined 77% of points won (21 victories and only 3 defeats). It seems that England is also experiencing some interesting developments.

The titles of their youth teams reveal that the investment made by their clubs is not solely focused on strengthening the glamorous Premier League with foreign signings, but also on a new path they are taking with a clear commitment to English football players. There is no guarantee that success at these youth levels will be replicated at senior level – for example, Germany's only youth title was in the U20 competition in 1981, and we can see how they are doing at senior level – but there is a high probability that they will be able to nurture talented players who, with proper guidance in their development, could help England regain a national team that lives up to its history and tradition.

We know that these recent achievements are not the result of chance; they are an indication of a football policy that could soon lead to British teams dominating the Premier League. They have the talent. And from compulsive buyers, they could become obsessed with player development, perhaps also driven by the delayed effects of Brexit to 'nationalize' their football once again.

The arrival of foreign players and the appointment of foreign coaches – none of the five English representatives in the Champions League have English managers, while only Tottenham have a predominantly British starting eleven – has had a significant influence on changing the perception of football in the United Kingdom. The old approach of direct football – long balls, aerial play, and simplicity to avoid build-up – is now outdated. Most Premier League teams now add strong doses of skill and creativity to their playing style, focusing more on keeping the ball on the ground and not relying solely on tactical rigidity. What remains from this evolution is the dynamism and aggression that brings a unique touch to their new style of play, which has assimilated a diversity of approaches, some opposing like those of Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, or with points of agreement like those of Jürgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino. All of these can be seen in their youth teams.

Today, England has players who have been indoctrinated under these new influences, and Russia 2018 should be the perfect stage to showcase the great changes that have already started bearing fruit this year. With a new identity, the English have found the key to reopen that treasure chest of happiness that closed with memories of the 1966 triumph. Reassuming the leading role they rightfully deserve in football seems to be just a matter of time.