England's Squad Looks Abroad: Kane, Bellingham and Gordon Lead the Way

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon all play their club football outside England. Together they show how far England's talent now stretches across Europe.

BBC Sport describes Kane as the Ballon d'Or winner at Bayern Munich. The Ballon d'Or is the yearly award for the world's best player. The same report places Bellingham at Real Madrid and Gordon at Barcelona, so England's three players are spread across Germany and Spain.

The numbers behind that picture are striking. Seven of the initial 25 players in England's current squad play abroad. A squad is the group a manager picks for a tournament or a run of matches.

The Football Association, England's governing body, is also keeping a close eye on the wider pool. The BBC reports there are 43 English players on its radar who play club football in Europe. Being on the radar means they are being watched as possible picks for the national team, even if they have not yet been called up.

England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, has spoken about the players who mattered most at the World Cup. He said Bellingham and Kane were decisive for England, meaning they made the biggest difference on the pitch.

Gordon has his own view on the move. He said he feels he gets more respect now that he plays for one of Europe's elite sides, the top clubs that compete for the biggest prizes. He drew that comparison with his time at Newcastle.

For fans, the story is about where England's players learn their trade. A player who competes week after week against the best sides in Spain or Germany brings a different kind of experience to international camp. That is the thread running through all three names.