Former Spurs manager and current Roma boss Jose Mourinho suggested Dane Scarlett could make the England squad for the next European Championships, and described the wonder-kid as ‘phenomenal’.
The 17-year-old could get many minutes under Nuno Espirito Santo at senior level this season, with the club set to compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League and Papa John’s Trophy – as well as the team now to be drilled in a two-striker formation.
Mourinho actually gave Scarlett his first team debut, and the striker already has an assist in the UEFA Europa League to his name after setting up a Carlos Vinicius goal against Wolfsberger AC.
16y 337d – Aged 16 years and 337 days, Tottenham's Dane Scarlett is the first 16-year-old to assist a Europa League goal since Kylian Mbappé in December 2015 for Monaco against Tottenham. Prospect. pic.twitter.com/sooxTEbvDg
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 24, 2021
Following England’s heartbreaking 2020 Euros Final loss at the hands of Italy on penalties, Mourinho believes if managers like Nuno take chances on players like Scarlett, they could be making their debuts for England very soon and competing in tournaments.
“I hope leading Premier League managers don’t just think of their own clubs but also the national team and that they give these young English guys more chances,” Mourinho said, speaking to the Sun.
“I know he’s still very young, just 17, and the next World Cup is probably too early, but Tottenham have a striker who, if everything goes well, is going to be phenomenal.
Dane Scarlett’s insane goal against Aston Villa last week. 😍#THFC | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/XpNgEv9OCH
— thfcreport Academy (@thfcreportAcad) February 26, 2021
“That kid, Dane Scarlett, probably won’t be ready for Qatar next year — although you never know — but for the next Euros in 2024, he is an example of one who can emerge.
“I know there are many more like him at Manchester United and Chelsea and other clubs, because the work they are doing in producing technically-gifted players in English academies is miles better now.”
Dane Scarlett (16) gets it round the first man, nutmegs the next and then goes beyond the third almost getting onto it. Chelsea U23 commentator: “no skill”. pic.twitter.com/24jHKfnwhI
— tottnem⚡️ (@THFC_ms) March 6, 2021
Scarlett is likely to be heavily involved in pre-season, as Spurs are without a senior striker due to Harry Kane having just started his holiday after leading England to the final, and Carlos Vinicius having returned to his parent club Benfica.
Danny Ings is expected to be Spurs’ top target to partner Kane, but a move is far away at this point, while Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott looks set for another loan move to the EFL Championship.
https://twitter.com/JacobTHFC_/status/1349009554776985600?s=20
Spurs’ first pre-season game will kick-off at 3pm on Saturday, as Leyton Orient host Nuno’s side to raise money for the Justin Edinburgh foundation, and Scarlett may be in-line to start.