England Football Stars of the Future

The last World Cup in 2012 was another disappointing result for the England team. Hopes were raised by the near faultless qualification period. But England was knocked out by Germany. Several players are set to retire over the next few years and the England squad is set to change. The good news is there are a number of exciting players to watch and the end product could well be a stronger team. The bottom line is there is no need to panic, because the stars of the future are nearly here.

Arsenal is a team worth watching over the next few years. Arsene Wenger himself has said that his next stars will be English. Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere are three Arsenal players that could have a big part to play for England over the next few years. Two other players worth keeping an eye on are Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and Fabian Delph.

Kieran Gibbs has lately been receiving rave reviews from Wenger. However, to an extent it was Wenger's experience that turned things around for the youngster. The much talked about youngster was sent off on loan to Norwich to help gain some experience. At the time he was regarded as a midfielder and generally received mixed reviews. The bottom line was he was a talented footballer, but didn't seem to have the engine for a top class midfielder. Gibbs was quick, had a brilliant left foot and very technical. The end result was he was converted to a left back and has hardly looked back since. Within the next couple of seasons England may well have much needed competition for Ashley Cole.

Theo Walcott has been known about for a while and it was a major surprise when he was left out of the 2010 World Cup squad. England though is lacking consistency on the right wing, so opportunity knocks for Theo. Many people have said that Theo is lightning quick, but a poor crosser. One thing is for sure England need to have Theo's pace in and around their squad. The only real thing to decide is if to use him wide or through the middle.

Jack Wilshere is one of the most exciting talents to come out of English football in recent years, as exciting as Wayne Rooney when he burst onto the scene. Jack finished last year on loan at Bolton and Wenger will have to decide where he should play this year. Wilshere is a strong, skilful midfielder that can offer a number of options. It's highly expected that he will play a big part in the future success for both Arsenal and England.

Ashley Young is the sort of left sided flying winger England have been crying out for years, but for some reason didn't make the 2010 squad. Young made his name at Watford, but the 8 million Villa paid looks like a snip. Young has pace to burn and scores and sets up goals. He is also a mean set piece taker. Surely these are all things England could do with in their squad.

Fabian Delph is still an unknown quanity at the top level in English football, but he is another pacy midfielder with bags of potential. The facts that Villa paid a hefty transfer fees and he has represented England at u19 and u21 level suggests there is something there. If he is impressive in the Premier League that England call is sure to come.

I am certain there is talent coming through for England. There is certainly no need to panic and England fans should be excited about the future. Hopefully the England team can get these boys in quickly. That way they will be ready when the next major tournament comes around.

Sources:

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/PlayerProfiles/0,,10265~23776,00.html

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/PlayerProfiles/0,,10265~39837,00.html

http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/jack-wilshere

http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/theo-walcott

http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/kieran-gibbs