Youngsters at Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all putting the established England regulars on notice.
For the first time in years there is a wave of new talent pushing for places in the England team. Hereisthecity.com runs the rule over the top prospects with their sights set on a place at next summers’ tournament. Providing the squad do the job against Montenegro of course…
1. Danny Welbeck
The Manchester United striker’s rapid progression shows no signs of slowing down. He has scored five goals already this season, including two in the Champions League, and will be hoping to net his first senior international goal against Montenegro.
2. Phil Jones
The defender has been tipped widely as a future England captain. In the final few minutes against Norwich, remarkably he committed only his first foul of the whole season. Also capable of playing in midfield, his place in the squad looks more or less assured.
3. Danny Sturridge
The Chelsea striker has outshone teammate Didier Drogba this season, and is making himself undroppable for the Stamford Bridge club. If he keeps his form up, Fabio Capello will certainly come calling.
4. Tom Cleverley
Cleverley’s movement and quick passing set the tone for United’s impressive start to the season. Unlucky to get injured, he is on the verge of a return. Yet to make his debut for England, despite two call-ups, but it won’t be long.
5. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Ox has made remarkable progress at Arsenal already, and has been one of the few plus points for the club this season. He has scored twice, but yet to play regularly in the Premiership. Yet many Gunners would rather see him start than Theo Walcott, and by next summer, Capello may feel the same.
6. Jack Wilshere
Its easy to dismiss Wilshere as already being an England regular after his performances last season. But his injuries have stunted his progress and he will have to rebuild his form when he returns next year. If fit he is certain to make the squad.
7. Andy Carroll
Carroll is still finding his feet at Liverpool, but Capello clearly prefers him as an alternative to Peter Crouch. He will hope a goal in the Merseyside derby will spur him on. Unlikely to partner Wayne Rooney next summer, he will probably be used as an impact sub.
8. Scott Sinclair
The Swansea youngster has had a superb start to the season. He is already playing like the senior playmaker in the side, and has instrumental to the club’s early wins. If he continues this with big performances against the top clubs, he will become difficult to ignore.
9. Ryan Bertrand
At this point, the chances of the Chelsea left-back making the squad look slim. That can all change. Left-back is a problem position for England if Ashley Cole gets injured, Capello is unsure on Baines. If Bertrand can clinch a loan move in January and replicate his assured displays for the under-21s last summer, he will be in with a shout.
10. Chris Smalling
Its easy to forget the Manchester United defender is still a youngster. It was only a few seasons ago he was playing for Maidstone United, yet now he is a regular at Old Trafford and for England. His versatility at right-back is a big plus point, and he is expected to make the squad.
11. Gaby Agbonlahor
Not technically a youngster any more, but he is still the right side of 25. His form for Villa this season has been outstanding, so much so that he looks like a player reborn. If he keeps up an impressive partnership with Bent throughout the season, he will present Capello with a welcome dilemma.
12. Victor Moses
Moses is another outsider but he is in with a shout. He hasn’t quite clicked for Wigan yet this season, despite hitting the woodwork several times. Don’t forget Charles N’Zogbia had a slow start last season and ended in tremendous form for Wigan so he will be looking to repeat that example. He scored five in pre-season, so he has goals in him, and if he can make a name for himself in the Premier League this year, the rewards could follow.
Image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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