From St James Park to the Euros: Tracking Exeter City Academy Players on the International Stage

As Europe’s biggest stars regroup for international duty, national team rosters for Euro 2024 are filled with familiar names - few of which trace their beginnings to the lower tiers of English football.

Exeter City’s academy may not make headlines, but its graduates are making tournament squads. And while attention builds toward summer fixtures and early Champions League predictions on many of the most popular and secure betting platforms, another narrative deserves recognition: players who started at St James Park and are now representing their countries on the international stage

Ollie Watkins is the most visible example of Exeter’s reach into top-tier international football. He entered the club’s Academy at 11, developed steadily, and earned a senior debut by 2014. His early performances showed discipline and spatial awareness, but he didn’t attract national attention until after his move to Brentford in 2017. There, and later at Aston Villa, his role evolved. No longer drifting wide, Watkins learned to occupy central channels, stretch defenders, and finish under pressure.

By the time England confirmed their Euro 2024 squad, his inclusion felt inevitable. The origin story of Ollie Watkins makes clear that consistency, not sudden form, earned him that place. Across seasons of Premier League football, Watkins offered not flash, but answers. He scored when systems broke down. He held structure when tempo dropped. These are the traits that carried him from League Two to the Euros.

Another academy graduate, Ethan Ampadu, reached that stage younger but no less prepared. He made his debut for Exeter at 15, operating in central defence before expanding into midfield. By 2017, Chelsea had signed him. Years of loan spells - RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia - added physical range and positional awareness. At just 23, Ampadu had already earned over 50 senior caps for Wales by the time Euro qualifiers began.

Rob Page’s public remarks during those matches confirmed his growing status. With confidence in both his control and decision-making, the national manager pointed to Ampadu as a future Wales captain. Few academy products anywhere reach that level of trust before their mid-20s.

The important thing to note here is that the next wave has already started. Jay Stansfield, now with Birmingham City, carries his father’s name and a sharp instinct in front of goal. He’s played for England’s U21 side and is monitored closely. Ben Chrisene followed a similar route. After joining Aston Villa, he began featuring in England youth squads, noted for composure in defensive midfield roles.

Exeter’s current squad includes players with international experience developed elsewhere. Ilmari Niskanen has featured for Finland, Josh Magennis brings caps from Northern Ireland, and Kamari Doyle has represented England at youth levels. While not academy products, their presence points to a club environment that continues to attract and support players capable of competing beyond domestic leagues.