Meet England's Stars Who Started Their Rise With Us!

Having once graced the English fifth tier, they have now been called up to perform on the international stage and will potentially turn out in this summer’s Russia World Cup.

We all love a good success story and these players have proven that anything is possible in the beautiful game.

Their dreams have become a reality and it all started for them in the National League, which is constantly producing talent fit for the Football League and beyond.

Three of the five to be called up for the upcoming friendlies have previously adorned the Three Lions at senior level while for the other two; it will be a whole new experience.

Let’s take a look at the five former National League men who have made the cut.

Nick Pope
It’s a first call-up for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has excelled for Sean Dyche’s Clarets following Tom Heaton’s injury.

Pope, 25, was sent out on loan to no less than three National League clubs earlier in his career.

When contracted to Charlton, the shot-stopper turned out for National League South Welling United before making the step up to the National League with Cambridge United and Aldershot Town.

Alfie Mawson
It’s been quite a rise in the past few years for 24-year-old Alfie Mawson. In 2014, he was playing National League football before making his way to the Premier League where he has played every minute of every game with Swansea City this season.

Mawson is no stranger to pulling on the England shirt, after making several appearances for the Under-21s.

Like Pope, he spent time out on loan with three Non-League clubs making more than 20 appearances for Maidenhead United, Luton Town and Welling United.

Jordan Pickford
After coming through the ranks at Sunderland, Jordan Pickford was loaned out for the first time to Darlington in January 2012 and played 17 times as the Quakers were relegated from the National League.

However, he returned to the division a year later with Alfreton Town for whom he made 12 appearances for and kept five clean sheets.

The 24-year-old has represented England at every level from U16 onwards and made his senior debut in the 0-0 draw against Germany in November 2017 – his only cap to date.

Joe Hart
Experienced goalkeeper and Premier League winner Joe Hart began his career with hometown club Shrewsbury Town and played twice for them in the National League.

Now aged 30, he’s gone on to pick up an impressive 75 caps for England which makes him by far the most experienced player in the squad.

Jamie Vardy
We all know about Jamie Vardy’s career path, don’t we? After scoring goals for Halifax Town in the National League North and then netting 31 in 36 for National League Fleetwood Town, Vardy joined Leicester City for £1m in 2012.

Promotion to the Premier League followed, before a great escape from relegation and then one of the biggest sporting achievements of all time as Vardy starred for the Foxes as they won the 2015/16 Premier League.

The 31-year-old now has 19 caps and 6 goals to his name for England, including one at Euro 2016.

BY LUKE TURNER