The Football League kicks off on August 4 with plenty of young starlets ready to make their mark.

We have picked out five of the most exciting prospects to keep an eye on across the three divisions.

Josh Coburn (Middlesbrough)

Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton believes Middlesbrough have a future England international on their hands in Josh Coburn.

The 20-year-old striker spent last season on loan at the Memorial Stadium and adapted to the third tier seamlessly, notching 10 goals in 35 outings and winning the Pirates' Young Player of the Year award.

Standing at an imposing 6ft 3in, Coburn boasts an impressive mix of physical and technical ability and looks set for another loan this term having just signed a four-year extension with Boro.

Barton said: "Josh is a huge player in our team. But I think he has an enormous future out in front of him if he gets a little bit of luck with injuries, I think he could go on to play for England."

Anthony Patterson (Sunderland)

Staying in the North East, Tony Mowbray's Sunderland squad is overflowing with young talent — including their goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Academy graduate Patterson, 23, played every minute of the Black Cats' heartbreaking Championship play-off campaign in 2022-23, keeping 14 clean sheets in a backline peppered by injuries.

Mowbray said of his No1 recently: "It's amazing to think of what he's going to be like when he's 30 when he's so young now and so good at what he does. He obviously has a big future."

Patterson has all the tools to follow the same pathway as former Sunderland and current England custodian Jordan Pickford.

Ronnie Edwards (Peterborough)

Peterborough's reputation for nurturing young talent is immense and Ronnie Edwards is the latest starlet off their production line.

Progressing through the ranks at Barnet, Posh picked the centre-back up three years ago and have quickly moulded him into a first-team regular.

Edwards featured 44 times last term, including both legs of a jaw-dropping play-off defeat to Sheffield Wednesday — earning plenty of praise for his performances from Sky Sports pundits.

Owner Darragh MacAnthony expects Edwards to leave London Road this summer, with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth keen.

Sean Roughan (Lincoln)

After an unremarkable start to his career, Sean Roughan has quickly become one of the EFL's hottest prospects.

Still only 19, Roughan played 40 times for Lincoln last term and was among League One's most assured defenders — despite often being played out of position at left wing-back.

More at home in the centre of defence, Southampton had the Republic of Ireland Under-21s international on trial two years ago but chose not to follow up with a firm offer. 

Chelsea have also been linked, suggesting another strong campaign at Sincil Bank will see offers flooding in for his services.

Junior Tchamadeu (Colchester)

Colchester have not had much to shout about recently but they have a prodigious talent on their books in Junior Tchamadeu.

Voted League Two's Young Player of the Season in 2022-23 despite his side's flirtations with relegation, the 19-year-old flying full-back already has 90 senior appearances under his belt.

Championship clubs have been taking an interest in Tchamadeu for some time and it currently appears Stoke will beat off the likes of Blackburn and Norwich to his signature.

Agile, aggressive and blessed with a fabulous first touch, he has all the attributes to flourish at a higher level.