With news of the golden generation of England's players ending I thought I'd look at some of England's new starlets as well as some of the best young talent from around the world. Football is increasingly becoming a young man, even in the Italian league which was once the old peoples home of footballers is full of some vibrant young stars who look set to like to light up the global stage in the future.
England:
Jack Wilshere aged 20
As our national team finally starts to include some new talent in an increasingly ageing squad one player looks to be the replacement for Lampard or Gerrard, drawing comparisons with the like of Xavi and Iniesta, Wilshere looks to have secured himself a place in the future of the England team. With great control and a keen eye for the pass, the immensely talent 20 year old is surely a worthy replacement for the old guard.
Daniel Sturridge aged 22
Has scored more goals this season than Anelka, Torres and Drogba combined, Sturridge looks to be the future of the England front line, he should serve as good replacement in the first two games of the Euro's for Wayne Rooney, clinical in front of goal the young striker made a name for himself on loan to Bolton. He scored one of the goals of this season, a cute backheel vs Sunderland.
Raheem Sterling aged 17
Hailed as the new John Barnes, this Jamaican born winger is the shining light in Liverpool's reinvigorated academy, he scored 5 times in a 9-0 rout of Southend in the FA Youth Cup. With enough pace to make Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott look like John Prescott. Top scorer for England in this years U-17 World Cup in Mexico.
Brazil:
Neymar aged 19
An incredible player and definitely the best on this list, Neymar is already being hailed by Pele as the best in the world (You can't get much better praise...) his skill on the ball in unrivalled, appears to be able to score from anywhere on the pitch, and weaves through the opposition like a squirrel through trees while on steroids. An incredible talent, and surely will be the best player in the world at some point in the future.
Lucas Piazon aged 17
Not just in looks but in talent as well, Piazon is already being compared to Kaka, the Brazilian who was the best player in the world for the middle of the 2000's. Signed by Chelsea, he will be eligible to play for the first team when he turns 18, already free-scoring in the reserve league.
Germany:
Mario Goetze aged 19
You already know about the world conquering side of Ozil, Muller and Khedira but Goetze is the little extra that just rounds off one of the best international teams on the planet.There is high hopes for him at Euro 2012, he dragged Dortmund to the Bundesliga title last year and has attracted intrest from some of Europes biggest clubs. An attacking forward he is tricky with a great pass he will act alongside Ozil in Euro 2012 and lead to Germany (probably) to victory.
Spain
Thiago Alcantara aged 20
Already broken into the Barcelona first team with enough talent fill about 12 teams in the Premier League, he announced his arrival with a goal against Man U in a pre-season. Great on the ball and off it and can find space where ever he needs to, hasn't got a bad shot on him either.
Bojan Krkic aged 21
Considering most of his 104 appearances for Barcelona where ten minute cameos at the end of games, scoring 26 goals isn't bad. Like a younger version of Messi, he can dribble past players with ease, has cool finishing and quite a powerful shot on him. He must be good, as Barca insisted on a buy back clause of £17 million after one season (occasional) and £13 million (mandatory) after the second after he signed to Roma for $13 million, it takes a pretty special 21 year old who costs £38 million to keep. Scored one of the goals of the season in 09/10, similar to Neymar's against Flamengo that won the Puskas award (it wasn't that good though)
Italy
Mario Balotelli aged 21
He may be so mad he really should be locked in a rubber room in a straight jacke, however he is powerful with a great touch and when on form and not blowing up his house, he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Man City's #45 is the first black player to appear for the italian national team.
Stephan El Shaarawy aged 19
Nicknamed the Pharaoh because of his Egyptian father, El Shaarawy is talented player with heaps of potential and is already starting to challenge the likes of Pato and Robinho for a spot in the Milan first team, the Milan #92 (he has a cool squad number). He has chosen to play for Italy and can play on both the right or the left of the midfielder he is sure to follow in Balotelli's footsteps and break into the first team
Argentina
Erik Lamela
Barcelona wanted him and were desperate for his signature, he decided to play for River Plate before transferring to Roma this summer. The best player to come out of Argentina since Lionel Messi, he is a proper number 10 who never stops moving, he is likened to fellow countrymen Messi but looks more like Ronaldo to be honest.
Russia
Alan Dzagoev
On the last stop on are tour, I've already talked about his in my Euro 2012 post, the best player to come out of the Russia/USSR since Andrei Arshavin, read my "Who Will Win Euro 2012" post to find out more.
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