The future of England? Martin Lipton's guide to the men and women in the new England kit ad

By Martin Lipton in Mirror Football Blog

Published 09:11 03/09/10

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During the World Cup our Three Lions flops were more toothless than ruthless.

So meet a new generation of England soccer cubs that may – just may – herald a new era of hope after decades of disappointment.

Ahead of tonight’s qualifier against Bulgaria, sponsors Umbro unveiled the new line-up in a photo to launch the team’s home strip.

Out go almost all the millionaire failures who so wretchedly let the nation down in South Africa.

And in comes a clutch of young talent – including a girl starlet aged 14. Let’s face it, she could hardly do much worse than the old lot…

Joe Hart, 23, Man City
Plucked from lowly Shrewsbury four years ago, he is now first-choice goalie at super-rich Man City and was given a chance to show his worth in England’s recent 2-1 Wembley friendly triumph over Hungary.

Adam Johnson, 23, Man City
Despite 19 caps for the Under-21s and impressing in pre-World Cup training, Hart’s team-mate Johnson was axed from the World Cup squad for looking “too nervous” before his full debut. He has now been named for the qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. Shaun Wright-Who?

Eric Dier, 16, Sporting Lisbon
One of only a handful of English players plying their trade in foreign leagues. He comes from good stock – his grandad was legendary former FA supremo Ted Croker. The teenager was born in Cheltenham, Glos, but emigrated with his family to Portugal aged eight. He has been courted by Portuguese national soccer chiefs but is bursting with pride at the chance to play for the land of his birth.

Jade Bailey, 14, Arsenal Ladies
Another promising teenager, she starred for England at the UEFA Women’s Under-17 tournament. It’s only a matter of time before she catches the eye of national women’s team coach Hope Powell. And who knows, perhaps Fabio Capello?

Saido Berahin, 16, West Brom
Arrived in the UK as refugee from Burundi just six years ago. The striker has since been snapped up by West Brom and is tipped by many to have an exciting future at club and international level. Already has an impressive record in front of goal at Under-16 and Under-17 level. thomas cruise, 19, Arsenal: Another of Arsene Wenger’s English talents, Cruise will hope to make headlines for more than just his name in the near future. A defender who is just as comfortable on the left as in the middle, he has already been used in the Champions League.

Jack Wilshere, 18, Arsenal
After excelling at the end of last season on loan at Bolton, Wilshere lit up pre-season at The Emirates with a string of strong performances. Rewarded by Capello with a senior debut against Hungary last month, he became the tenth youngest ever player to appear for England. Although he has since returned to the Under-21 squad for Friday’s match against Portugal, the central midfielder will learn so much from Cesc Fabregas and has an extremely bright future. He is moving through the England set-up in a much more conventional way.

Fern Whelan 21, Everton
The defender models her play on Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher. She outlined her determination to succeed in the game by crossing one of the most fierce rivalries in football, signing for Everton from Liverpool during the 2005 close season.

Wayne Rooney, 24, Man Utd
Over a seven-year England career, he has appeared at three major championships, with controversy following his every move. Despite his lacklustre showing in South Africa, he has still netted 25 times in 65 England games. After a dip in form he is now back among the goals.

Connor Wickham, 17, Ipswich
Ipswich boss Roy Keane has already said: “My fans would lynch me if I sold Connor.” It shows how highly rated the burly teenager is with nine goals in 13 Under-17 games, Wickham has many big clubs, including Arsenal and Spurs, showing interest.

Theo Walcott, 21, Arsenal
We’ll never know whether he would have made a difference in South Africa after the winger, who scored a hat-trick against Croatia in the qualifiers, was left out. Now’s his chance.

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