Credit: Imago/Getty Images

Jacob Raw

Mon 23 March 2026 15:10, UK

Leeds United youth star Jake Howard received an England U17s call-up earlier this week, and Daniel Farke needs to carefully monitor his performances.

The Whites take good pride in their youth system at Thorp Arch, but it feels like not many, apart from Archie and Harry Gray, have been given a chance under the German head coach.

Howard is set to feature in England U17s EURO qualification games against Faroe Islands, Israel and Estonia this month, and the centre-back could prove his talent on the big stage this time.

The 16-year-old is another unique star that Leeds have their hands on, but like many others who have been hyped up at Thorp Arch, there’s a risk his development could go tragically wrong.

Farke hasn’t given much game time to youngsters this season for understandable reasons, but the youth is the future, and Leeds need to work with Howard on whatever weaknesses he shows upon his return.

Daniel Farke needs to help implement plan to improve Jake Howard

Howard signed his scholarship at Leeds over 10 months ago and will soon be eligible for his first professional contract.

But with youth transfers so normalised in the modern game, the Whites need to give the young defender their trust before handing him a new deal to fend off inevitable interest.

Howard’s inclusion in England U17s EURO qualification games gives internal figures at Leeds a chance to see how the youngster performs in a different environment.

These stages can make or break a talent, and regardless of how good he performs, the centre-half will show some room for improvement.

That’s why Farke needs to have the right people dedicated to monitoring Howard’s displays while away with the Three Lions in March, so that he can soon become a ready-made first-team player.

There’s always a high chance that his first move in the professional game will be a loan transfer further down the English pyramid.

However, if Leeds were to get relegated, then the Whites would have the perfect opportunity to unearth another Thorp Arch graduate in the Championship.

Daniel Farke has no excuses to do this at Thorp Arch over international break

Farke has come out with statements about how he wants to give opportunities to youngsters, but he hasn’t shown that, even in cup competitions this season.

Granted, it’s not expected that youth talent will have a major impact in a season where Premier League survival is the goal, but the international break now gives the Leeds boss a massive chance to be proactive.

With many stars away for duty, some gems will remain at Thorp Arch, which gives the Whites boss some time to assess the quality within Leeds’ youth ranks.

It could be an eye-opener for Farke, who usually wouldn’t have the time to be involved with the young lads, but now he has no excuse to get to know them better.