Young English Players

 

With the U21 European championship in Sweden soon to be under way, it’s time to concentrate on players for the future and with South Africa 2010 just around the corner we take a look at a few exceptional youngsters to see who could be the shock inclusion of the 2010 World Cup Squad.

 

 

Name: Danny Welbeck

Club: Manchester United

Age: 18

Position: Forward

Height: 6ft 1

 

Alex Ferguson has already boldly predicted Welbeck will taken by Fabio Capello to South Africa. Netting 3 goals in 13 appearances so far in his United career, Welbeck has been a willing contributor from the bench. With searing pace and an eye for goal, Welbeck could be a great alternative coming off the bench.

 

 

Name: Jack Wilshire

Club: Arsenal

Age: 17

Position: Midfield

Height: 5ft 7

Having been with Arsenal since the age of 9, Wilshire is a true product of one of the top youth systems in World football, and in a squad full to the brim of promising young talent. As with most of Arsenal’s youngsters, his chances have mainly come in the Carling Cup where he scored his first goal for Arsenal against Sheffield United. Wenger has already voiced his opinion that Wilshire could emulate Dennis Bergkamp and play in a similar attacking role to the Dutch legend. Should Capello want freshness, and youthful enthusiasm, baby-faced Wilshire could be a contender.

 

 

Name: Michael Mancienne

Club: Chelsea

Age: 21

Position: Defence

Height: 6ft

 Having already been called up to the full England squad for the friendly against Germany, Mancienne has obviously made a strong impression on manager Fabio Capello. Although only having made 4 appearances for Chelsea so far, Mancienne has gained valuable experience on loan at QPR and Wolves and should be in contention for a regular place on Chelsea’s bench next season. The versatility that Mancienne has is certainly something Capello will look for when considering World Cup squads, especially with our current lack of healthy right-back’s being a concern for the Italian mastermind.

 

 

Name: Dan Gosling

Club: Everton

Age: 19

Position: Midfield

Height: 5ft 10

Gosling’s 118th minute goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup, although barely seen around the country due to the error by ITV, was voted by the Everton fans as their ‘Goal of the Season’. A versatile midfielder, Gosling has notched up 2 goals in 11 games for Everton and impressed each time he took the field. Gosling will have to fight for his chance to start for Moyes but it’s just that kind of competition that could encourage Gosling to thrive and improve further.

 

 

 

Name: Joe Lewis

Club: Peterborough United

Age: 21

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6ft 6

Although fairly unknown to people outside the Premier League, Joe Lewis (like Mancienne), has already been included in the full England squad. Just over a year ago for friendly games against the USA and Trinidad & Tobago, Lewis was an un-used sub and failed to make an appearance in either game. Currently playing for Peterborough United, Lewis has an advantage that many other young English Premier League keepers competing for a spot in the national team don’t – game time. With Joe Hart and Ben Alnwick struggling to get starts between the sticks, Lewis made 46 starts for Posh last season. Lewis has an impressive physical presence and will be battling hard for the number 1 jersey in these summers U21 Euros in Sweden.

(c)Oliver McGrath & BlogsFc