Three Future England Stars Currently Plying Their Trade At Manchester United

After England’s dismal performance in the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil, there are people who are already calling for Roy Hodgson’s head. While it is true that the Three Lions were far from impressive in Brazil, one of the main reasons for it wasn’t the manager, but the general lack of talent in the squad. While the 23-man squad did contain a good mix of youth and experience, the X factor simply wasn’t there.

When you add that, along with a lack of defensive discipline shown by some experienced centre backs, you can certainly see why they struggled in Brazil. Ever since their solitary World Cup win in 1966, England have never really looked like winning a major tournament. While they are continually hyped (mostly by their own fans) as favourites, they have seldom looked like contenders for the big prize.

If this has to change, they will need a new influx of players. If they are looking at a club, who can supply them with the necessary ammunition, then they need to look no further than Manchester United. The Red Devils aren’t just the most successful club in England, but are also the club that has consistently provided some of the finest English players in the last two decades. Here are three young players, who are currently exhibiting plenty of promise and look like they have what it takes to be future England internationals.

Michael Keane

An area of concern for the Three Lions in Brazil was their defending. To suggest that some of their defending was bad would be an understatement. But the good news is that there is certainly of plenty of quality coming through at the moment, especially in central defence. 21-year-old Michael Keane is yet to make his senior debut for United, but has already established himself as one to watch out for in the future.

Likened to Rio Ferdinand, due to his calmness on the ball and the ability to bring it forward, the player was tipped by the former England captain himself for greatness. Keane along with his team-mate Tyler Blackett look like being the national side’s future in central defence for the years to come. So don’t be surprised if another Manchester United player named Keane makes headlines, but this time for England.

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James Wilson

If there is one thing that England have lacked, since Michael Owen started to go off the boil is a pure goal scorer. While Wayne Rooney has taken over that mantle for country, he has shown time and again that he is better suited to a more withdrawn role. And for all of Danny Welbeck’s work-rate, he is a long way away from being the finished article. One player who could solve their striking problems and score bucket loads of international goals is 18-year-old striker James Wilson.

A graduate of United’s youth academy, last season saw Wilson score for the Under-18s, Under-19s, Under-21s and also the senior team. He managed 24 goals in 30 matches in total, last season, which also saw make his U-19 debut with the national side. Not only did he score on debut, he has shown throughout his brief career so far that he is a goal scorer extraordinaire and is someone who might one day topple Bobby Charlton’s goal scoring record, if given a proper shot.

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Luke Shaw

When Luke Shaw came on in the World Cup, he became the second-youngest player to have represented England. Still only 18, Shaw has already made over 60 games for Southampton, before moving to Manchester United in a deal that saw him become the most expensive teenager in world football.

If Shaw continues his upward trajectory, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine that he will be United’s and England’s first choice left-back for the foreseeable future. Lightning quick, sharp in the tackle, good in the air and extremely capable of creating chances for his team mates while going forward, Shaw has all the makings of becoming not just the first-choice England left back, but also one of the finest of his generation.