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Rising stars of England’s under-19 side

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Rising stars of England’s under-19 side
If England beat Spain in Normandy tomorrow, it will be the second consecutive year that the under-19 side has reached the final of the European Championships.
Going into this semi-final as firm underdogs, a victory over the Spaniards would be seen as a big shock. But it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, and some of the team’s standout players certainly have bright futures ahead of them.
So, who has a real chance of making it at the highest level? And do any of them have a hope of making the 2014 World Cup squad? Or maybe even Capello’s squad at Euro 2012?
We take a look at several of those rising stars, for whom the 2010 under-19 European Championships are just the beginning.
Tom Cruise (Defender, Arsenal, age: 19)
No, this isn’t a joke, and yes, his parents must have been cruel. However, the Arsenal defender is a big hope for the future and has already played for the Gunners in the Champions League group stages. The versatile 19-year-old is a product of the youth academy at the Emirates Stadium, and has also featured for England at under-16 and under-17 level. As comfortable at left-back as he is in central defence, Cruise should feel confident that playing for the senior England side in a few years time is anything but mission impossible. Sorry.
Nathaniel Clyne (Defender, Crystal Palace, 19)
Highly-rated Crystal Palace right-back, who has alerted the interest of several Premier League clubs with his impressive performances at Selhurst Park. Clyne has all the attributes to become a top-class full-back. Strong, pacey and confident going forwards, the 19-year-old has already rejected a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Touted by former manager Neil Warnock to feature for one of the top-flight’s biggest clubs, Clyne appears to have a tremendous chance of becoming a full international before the next World Cup. Could move to Wolves’ rivals Birmingham City this summer.
John Bostock (Midfielder, Tottenham, 18)
It was at Crystal Palace as a 15-year-old where Bostock made his professional debut against Watford at Selhurst Park, making him the youngest player in the Eagles’ history. The 18-year-old controversially signed for Tottenham in 2008 and became Spurs’ youngest-ever player that November against Dinamo Zagreb. Last year, the attacking midfielder spent a few months on loan at Brentford, scoring two goals during that stint. Bostock played for England under-16s and previously captained the under-17s. It’d take a brave individual to bet against him breaking more records in the future.
Nathan Delfouneso (Striker, Aston Villa, 19)
Arguably the most promising striker in the current England under-19 squad, Delfouneso has been on the fringes of the Aston Villa side for the last few seasons now. The 19-year-old has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-21 level, along with the under-19s, and has an impressive goalscoring record at each level. Certainly a huge talent, and one which Villa are desperate to keep hold of. Given his athletic frame, pace and eye for goal, it’s quite possible that Delfouneso won’t have to wait too long before he becomes a full England international.
Frank Nouble (Striker, West Ham, 18)
The 18-year-old powerhouse rose through the Chelsea youth ranks between 2004 and 2009 before signing a professional contract with West Ham in July of last year. Nouble has since had loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Swindon Town, but is still yet to score his first professional goal. On the evidence of this summer’s under-19 European Championships, it shouldn’t be too long before he hits the back of the net for the Hammers. The striker grabbed a brace in the 3-2 victory over Austria, and will hope to become the hero of the hour against Spain on Tuesday afternoon.

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