Roy Hodgson has challenged Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere to prove England have a bright future ahead of them after their World Cup shambles.
Having been eliminated last Friday after two straight defeats, England's final Group D match against Costa Rica on Tuesday is nothing but a dead rubber.
Hodgson admits the realisation that he had led England to their fastest World Cup exit had thrown him into "a realm of despair".
That despair will only increase on Tuesday if England are defeated by Costa Rica who despite holding a 100 per cent record in Brazil, sit below Scotland in the FIFA rankings.
Barkley, 20, and 22-year-old Wilshere will start in the centre of midfield in the Estadio Mineirao. The duo have just 12 starts between them, but they are likely to be part of England's re-building process, particularly if Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard retire from international duty after the Costa Rica game.
"I'm looking for them to show their talent," the England manager said.
"Both of them are very good passers of the ball, very good at running with the ball.
"Both, for young players, have good vision for the game. That will improve the more games they play, but they're well advanced for their age.
"This is a chance for them to show they are good players.
"They have an opportunity to play from the start, and together in a game with other young players around them.
"They can show the faith and hope we have that those boys are ready to make their mark.
"This could be the first moment they give us an inkling that we are on the right track."
Hodgson thinks the nine players drafted into the XI all have a chance to impress.
"It's a great opportunity for these players," he said.
"I'm handing them an opportunity to go out on a fantastic stage and show they're not only players of potential, but they are ready to play on this stage now and won't let the team down."
Source: PA
