The Carabao Cup returned this week with all the drama and excitement fans have come to expect. Round One was more than just a flurry of goals and late twists. It was also a stage where some of the brightest young talents in the English Football League announced themselves to the wider football world.
For years, the competition has been a springboard for future stars, and the opening round of this season has already given supporters plenty to talk about. Across the country, academy graduates and debutants seized their chance under the floodlights, hinting at big futures ahead in both the Carabao cup and in their respective teams seasons.
Charlton Athletic
Fresh from a promotion-winning campaign in League One, Charlton have continued to show the strength of their academy. Twenty-one-year-old Miles Leaburn, already a key figure in recent years, opened the scoring in their first-round clash with Stevenage. Their second goal was a product of three academy graduates combining, with teenager Ibrahim Fullah netting on just his second senior appearance.
Reading
Seventeen-year-old Andre Garcia enjoyed a breakthrough season with his boyhood club in 2024–25, earning an England Under-18 call-up along the way. This week, he scored his first senior goal as Reading defeated Portsmouth 2–1, further underlining his potential and showcasing just what he is all about.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan’s tradition of backing young players is alive and well under manager Ryan Lowe. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Tobias Brenan, a product of the Premier League and EFL Professional Development Programme, has started all three games so far this season, including the Cup win over Notts County.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom have been rewarding their academy graduates, with under-18 captain Cole Deeming recently signing a contract extension. Another homegrown talent, Alex Williams, made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Derby County. With right-back Darnell Furlong suspended after the opening league match, Williams stepped in and showed he could be a serious option for the first team.
Wycombe Wanderers
With their new academy beginning to bear fruit, Wycombe handed a full debut to teenager Cam Stones in the win over Leyton Orient. Fellow youngster Arthur Gregory also came off the bench to make his first appearance. At just 16 years and 282 days old, Stones became the fourth-youngest player to represent Wycombe in their EFL era.
Portsmouth
Although Portsmouth fell to Reading in Round One, academy graduate Tayo Singer scored his first senior goal on his debut. The 18-year-old striker was last season’s Academy Player of the Year after scoring 19 goals in 32 matches at youth level.
Oxford United
At only 20, Tyler Goodrham already has close to 150 appearances for Oxford. The academy graduate was pivotal in their 2023–24 promotion, scoring eight league goals, and has started this season in similar fashion. His decisive strike against Colchester United secured Oxford’s place in Round Two.
Plymouth Argyle
Local prospect Joe Hatch made his first start in the victory over QPR, Plymouth’s first win under new boss Tom Cleverley. After an injury cut short his previous season, Hatch is determined to make an impact in both league and cup competitions this year.
Round One of the Carabao Cup has once again reminded fans that the competition is about more than just silverware. It is a chance for young players to step into the spotlight and prove they belong at the highest level. Judging by this week’s performances, the future of English football looks very bright indeed.
What do you make of our picks? did we miss anybody you’d like to see in the next edition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
