Source: Daily_Mail
Are you watching Fabio? Six England young guns dreaming of the World Cup
As the countdown to the Premier League kick-off reaches its climax, thoughts increasingly lean towards next summer's World Cup in South Africa.
With England virtually assured of their place at the finals, occupying top spot in group six following seven successive wins,all eyes are on the battle to make Fabio Capello's final squad of 23.
But will the Italian spring a surprise selection or two? In 2006 Sven Goran Eriksson famously stunned the nation with the inclusion of the then-untested teen Theo Walcott.
On the back of the Under 21s European Championship final outing, a host of new youngsters are vying to charm Capello this time round.
Their manager's have already sounded their great potential to become the next best thing and Sportsmail examines six of the best young pretenders to be in with a shout.
DANNY WELBECK (Manchester United)
Big things are expected this year from the United youngster who has his sights set on becoming the next Michael Owen learning under the tutelage of the very man himself.
The prodigious 18-year-old broke on the scene last season, marking his debut with a stunning goal during the 5-0 rout over Stoke.
And despite his relative lack of senior experience, Welbeck has been hailed by Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson, who is convinced that the pacey 6ft 2in striker can force his way into England's World Cup reckonning next summer.
Ferguson said: 'Danny's a certainty to make it at the highest level. I've told England coach Fabio Capello the boy will be in his World Cup squad next year.'
Born in Manchester to Ghanian parents, the African nation are keen for the England Under 21 star to jump ship and play alongside the likes of Micahel Essien and John Pantsil in South Africa next year - a worrying dilemma should Capello overlook him.
JACK WILSHERE (Arsenal)
Indeed, the most likely to win a surprise call-up to Capello's 23-man party next June after the Italian recently lauded the midfielder's dazzling pre-season form.
But England Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce has voiced his concerns that too much, too soon is being asked of the highly-rated 17-year-old, warning Wilshere could epitomise another 'lost generation' if expectations upon him show no signs of abating.
Having made his Arsenal bow at the tender age of 16, great things are expected from the talented teenager who has since been labelled as Steven Gerrard's heir apparent.
Wilshere celebrated his first Under 21 start on Tuesday night in Holland on the back of an impressive pre-season, made memorable by his stunning brace during a coming-of-age performance against Scottish champions Rangers in the Emirates Cup.
His manager Arsene Wenger has tipped the energetic midfielder to emulate the meteoric rise of Wayne Rooney to national hero but warns the Stevenage-born boy still has plenty to learn and that he won't be pushed into stardom before he has delivered.
'He reminds me a bit of Rooney when he started, in his belief and his positive attitude to go forward. But as a manager you do not want a guy to be a star before he has delivered,' Wenger said.
While Capello echoes the Frenchman's sentiments don't bet against Wilshere being the Italian's World Cup wild card...
HAVE YOUR SAY: WHO SHOULD BE FABIO CAPELLO'S SURPRISE WORLD CUP CALL-UP? Please comment below...
JACK RODWELL (Everton)
The towering holding midfielder rose to prominence last term scoring one goal in 25 outings during his first full Everton season.
A former England youth captain, the silky 18-year-old Merseyside protege is another on the fast track route to Capello's senior set-up.
His classy goal against Germany in the group stage of this summer's European Under 21 Championships was awarded with rightful acclaim for his eloquent skill complimeneted by his precise range of passing.
In the mould of Manchester United's Michael Carrick, in terms of a technical midfield operator, Rodwell isn't afraid to mix it up with his combative style to has seen him win a permanent place in club manager David Moyes' first-team plans on the back of signing a long-term deal that sees him tied down at Goodison Park until 2014.
Rodwell will almost certainly be an England regular in five years time but South Africa could come too early. Must play week-in week-out to underline his fledging potential.
FABIAN DELPH (Aston Villa)
Delph's big money £8million move to Villa Park has improved his hopes of catching Capello's eye this year with new manager Martin O'Neill expecting the former Leeds United favourite to follow in the footsteps of fellow team-mates Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor.
Upon his arrival to the Premier League, the 19-year-old was instantly elevated into the Under 21s.
The exciting, but sometimes hot-tempered, midfielder won rave reviews after tormenting League One defences during his two-year stint at Elland Road.
Delph's versatility across the middle of the park and knack of scoring speculative goals might just tempt Capello to pick him for his final squad.
But his foremost task this season will be to establish himself as a top flight star and attempting to rise from the shadows of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.
LEE CATTERMOLE (Wigan)
Wigan spent the entire pre-season fighting off interest in the hatchet man midfielder who has been dubbed the new Owen Hargreaves before reluctantly accepting an £8million fee.
If Capello is looking to add some steel to his World Cup squad, Cattermole is undoubtedly a strong candidate particularly with severe doubts lingering over the long term fitness of the injury-blighted United star.
Cattermole arrived at the DW Stadium with the bold intention of proving his boyhood club Middlesbrough were wrong to let him go for £3.5million - and ultimately he was right, proving heis a force to contend with in the Premier League during his brief stay.
An eventful maiden year at Wigan saw the combative 21-year-old frighten opponents with his menacing crunching tackles.
But his poor discipline must significantly improve if he is to catapult into the senior squad after a dismal record of collecting ten bookings and two red cards last season.
Wears his heart on his sleeve and likes to boss the midfield, an endearing factor for Sunderland boss Steve Bruce who was so keen to revive ties with the player.
A mooted £8million move to Liverpool would have propelled him into Capello's thoughts given the opportunity of playing Champions league football but Cattermole is guaranteed first choice football at the Stadium of Light where he knows he can blossom under the guidance of Bruce, with a debt of £11.5m in transfer fees to repay.
MICHAEL MANCIENNE (Wolves - on loan from Chelsea)
The defender has been an ever-present for the Under-21s and his decision to re-join newly-promoted Wolves will improve his international prospects no end.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti had toyed with the idea of keeping Mancienne for the Blues arduous campaign ahead but opted to allow the fringe player leave on a short-term deal where his development will be served under Mick McCarthy.
Capello handed the 21-year-old a shock call-up for last November's friendly win over Germany and all eyes will be on him at the Molineux this term, where he played a huge role in helping the Midlands club win promotion.
Mancienne is regarded as a pivotol figure in Wolves' battle to retain their top flight status, with the club being one of the premier favourites for relegation this season.
His elegant composure at the back was one of the key traits that first attracted Capello to the defender's talents. But that was in the Championship. Under less pressure.
If he can build on his decent form that made him shine last year, Mancienne will be in prime position to join his Chelsea colleagues on the trip to South Africa.
