Leeds United: Archie Gray joins Bellingham and Theo Walcott in coveted club | OneFootball

Archie Gray's astronomical rise at Leeds United has taken yet another huge step with the youngster scoring his first goal for England's under-21 side against Azerbaijan on Friday afternoon - and it's put him amongst some Championship royalty.

Gray has been a huge part of Leeds United's success this season, with the midfielder performing well in the centre of midfield and at right-back following the departures of Djed Spence and Luke Ayling in the January transfer window - but he's one of those extremely rare players where age is just a number, with his old head on young shoulders putting him right at home amongst the best players in the second-tier so far this season.

His form has seen him become part of the England youth setup in recent years, but having only just turned 18, it was somewhat of a surprise to see him enter the under-21 set-up; especially given that only two more players in the 23-man squad are below the age of 20. And he's not let that faze him by scoring against Azerbaijan in the 5-1 win in Baku; which has seen him join an elite list.

How Archie Gray has put himself amongst Championship royalty

Gray's 88th-minute strike to put the cherry on the icing on the cake for Lee Carsley's men sees him join an elite club of young stars who went on to register more than a handful of caps for their nation.

Only three players have scored a goal for England's under-21 side at a younger age than Gray; Jude Bellingham, who was only a few weeks into his spell at Borussia Dortmund after leaving in a £25million move from Birmingham City; Theo Walcott, who had already featured for England's senior team before he was involved with the under-21 side; and Jamal Musiala, who now plies his trade in Germany's senior team and seriously caught the eye at the Qatar World Cup after switching allegiances from the Three Lions.

Gray is the fourth-youngest and as the least attacking of the quartet, the fact he has already scored for the young Lions' oldest youth side is a testament to his abilities. It will only serve to extend his development further at Elland Road, and should a team come in with a bid for him in the future, that will surely bump the fee up if Leeds aim to rake in a huge transfer fee for their coveted youngster.

Archie Gray's chances of playing in the Premier League with Leeds next season

If Gray does earn promotion with Leeds United to the Premier League, it's likely that he will stay on at Elland Road to showcase his talents in the top-flight.

It's not often that a 17-year-old is one of the most consistent members of a team gunning for promotion in one of the toughest leagues in the world, but if he takes that mentality into next season at either right-back or central midfield, we will more than likely see an expanded development of one of the best young talents in the country.

Liverpool and Manchester United have been the clubs most linked with his services, though promotion to the top-flight would see them surely take less of a serious interest.