Top 5 u-21s who will shape England’s future

With England under heavy criticism after their 1-1 home draw against Ukraine, this is a glance at a few England colts who have high chances of representing the Three Lions in a few years.

Jack Butland: The lanky goalkeeper who plays for Birmingham City is definitely the first choice England ‘keeper in the upcoming years. He made his England senior team debut against Italy at the Euros, becoming England’s youngest ever goalkeeper at 19 years 158 days. Standing at 6 ft 5 inches, he is surely going to be the next shot stopper for England.

Danny Rose of Great Britain goes past Zargo Toure of Senegal during the Men’s Football first round Group A Match of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Danny Rose: A product of the Leeds United academy, the short but speedy full back is one of the hottest prospects of the England u-21s. After signing for Tottenham Hotspurs in 2007, he has played for Watford, Peterborough United, Bristol City and Sunderland (his current club) on loan. Also scored 3 times in 21 appearances for the u-21s. He is also famous for the thumping left footed volley scored against Arsenal in 2010, for which he was awarded the ‘Goal of the Season’ by Tottenham Hotspur’s website.

Josh McEachran: A magnificent controller of the ball, he has brilliant vision and is very composed while playing. Though deployed as defensive midfielder during his initial stages at Chelsea, after being loaned out to Swansea City he played more of an attacking midfielder’s role. Currently loaned at Middlesbrough, it is just a matter of time before he becomes a regular for the national senior team.

Alex Oxlade – Chamberlain: Nicknamed the ‘Ox’, he is considered the best u-21 international in the current side. Currently playing for Arsenal, he is a product of the Southampton academy where he played for 10 years before joining the Gunners. Known for power, agility and dribbling skills this prodigy has already made 7 senior side appearances besides 8 appearances for the u-21s. Considered by many as captain material, he is certainly the best of the lot.

Jack Wilshere: Number 10 at Arsenal, he is an another exciting prospect for the future. Though, unfortunately his career has been marred by injuries if is an excellent passer of the ball and vision& movement. Although he has been utilized as a deep-lying central midfielder during his time at Arsenal, he can also operate as an attacking midfielder. ‘Spanish technique, but English at heart’, Wilshere was described by Owen Coyle during his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers. Good sign for Roy Hodgson.

Other promising u-21s:

1. Ben Amos
2. Steven Caulker
3. Nathaniel Clyne
4. Jack Rodwell
5. Henri Lansbury
6. Jonjo Shelvey
7. Wilfried Zaha
8. Nathan Delfounseo
9. Marvin Sordell
10. Dan Gosling
11. Sammy Ameobi