There has long been a pathway from non-league football into the professional ranks.
But only a handful of players have gone on to represent their countries at major tournaments – more on them later.
This summer, a trio of stars are expected to line up at EURO 2024 – having spent a chunk of their career plying their trade in non-league football in England.
Germany-Bound
Those who bet on EURO 2024 with Paddy Power will notice that England have been installed as 3/1 favourites to finally end their long trophy wait.
The football betting tips columns will also support the chances of France, as World Cup finalists in 2022, and Germany – a number of their squad have enjoyed success domestically this season, while the advantage of playing on home soil should not be overlooked.
If England are to get their hands on the trophy, they will no doubt call upon Jordan Pickford to make big saves at key times.
Although he came through the ranks at Sunderland, Pickford was farmed out on a pair of notable loan moves to non-league sides Darlington and Alfreton Town.
