England of the future?

With England's U21's to play Norway and France in th next week, Students of the Game runs the rule over the pretenders looking to move up to the senior squad.

GK - Joe Hart DOB: 19/04/87

Joe Hart displaced Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Isaaksson as the starting goalkeeper at Manchester City in 2007/2008, and his performances at Eastlands have led to international recognition at U19,  Under-21 and senior level.  He made his senior debut against Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain on 1 June and is widely seen as a future England No.1

Potential 7/10

RB - Micah Richards DOB: 24/06/88

Perhaps the most hyped defender of his generation, Richards' pace and power had pundits purring when he burst onto the scene. A versatile player who can be a threat at set-pieces his career has stalled somewhat since his last senior cap in 2007 but at his best can still be a game winner.

Potential 8/10

CB - David Wheater DOB: 14/02/87

A strong centre half with an eye for goal, David's performances for Middlesbrough led to a call-up - and an Under-21 debut - against Romania in August 2007. Has always been in Capello's thoughts and was called up as a back-up for John Terry last year. Is well known for his autograph hunting but could end up being one of the more valuable in his own collection.

Potential 7/10

CB - Michael Mancienne DOB: 08/01/88

A talented young defender who received his first call up in 2007 and his since been included in the full England squad. May ned to move away from Chelsea in order to fulfil his potential but seems to be highly rated and is allegedly a target for several Premier League clubs.

Potential 6/10

LB - Andrew Taylor DOB: 01/08/86

Regularly features at left back for Middlesbrough and Stuart Pearce and is a graduate of Middlesbrough's excellent academy. Taylor was a part of England's Under-19 Championship team in 2005 where they finished runners-up to France.

Potential 6/10

RM - Theo Walcott DOB:16/03/89

A record-breaker for England, Theo became England's youngest ever full international by appearing against Hungary at Old Trafford in May 2006.  Just three months later, he made his debut for the Under-21s against Moldova and scored after just three minutes to become England Under-21s' youngest-ever goalscorer. Not much else to say after his hat-trick against Croatia, with Wenger in charge he could be really special.

Potential 9/10

CM - Michael Johnson DOB: 24/02/88

After a brilliant 07/08 campaign under Sven at Man City Johnson's career has stalled under Mark Hughes, partly due to bad luck with injuries. Only last year he was being compared to Stephen Gerrard and looked a top player in the making.

Potential 8/10

CM - Jack Rodwell DOB: 11/03/91

A recent breakthrough, called into the under-21 squad only a month after his Premier League debut for Everton. Has captained England u16's, and played for u17's and u19's and hasn't missed a beat since his introduction to senior football. Is the youngest player to represent Everton in Europe and is likely to flourish under David Moyes.

Potential 8/10

LM - James Milner DOB: 04/01/86

England's most-capped u21 player of all time and is equally comfortable on either flank. Is perhaps the only Aston Villa player still flourishing in the second half of the season and whilst Milner doesn't have the pace of a Lennon or Wright-Phillips he does have a better delivery. May end up battling with clubmate Ashley Young for an England place or both may be employed on the wings with Walcott up front.

Potential 7/10

CF -  Gabriel Agbonlahor DOB: 13/10/86

Has made two succesive great starts to Premier League seasons before fizzling out and may be a victim of Martin O'Neill's preferance for a small squad. Nevertheless has the natural pace and finishing ability to become Michael Owen's successor and could one-day form a lethal partnership with Wayne Rooney

Potential 8.5/10

CF - Frazier Campbell DOB: 13/09/87

Has a career record of 37 goals in 74 games but made the mistake of being used as a makeweight in the Berbatov deal and Harry Redknapp's attempts to recreate Martin Jol's Tottenham side have led to him being sidelined ever since.

Potential 6/10

Ones to Watch

Fabian Delph (Leeds) aged 19 Potential 8/10

Adam Lallana (Southampton) aged 20 Potential 7/10

Joe Mattock (Leicester) aged 18 Potential 6/10

Who else do you think could make the step up?