Football Wonderkid Scout

 England U21 Star Dean Sturridge

looks a ready made replacement for both England and Manchester United. Standing at 6ft 4 inches, Smalling poses an imposing figure and uses his height to have commanding arial ability. Quick on the ground with natural raw pace and good with the ball at his feet, Smalling has impressed in his performances for the Red Devils this season. So much so that Wes Brown is reportedly considering his future and he appears ahead of Jonny Evans in the pecking order. With doubts over Ferdinand's long-term fitness, Smalling looks ready to partner Vidic at the back. Only capped up to England Under-21 level, Smalling will surely be on Capello's radar and could be called upon if injuries to Ledley King and Michael Dawson continue.

3. Scott Sinclair (Swansea)
When joining Chelsea in 2005 from Bristol Rovers, Scott Sinclair was hailed as a future star for England. With enormous potential and good physical attributes, Sinclair was tipped for the very top. Struggling for first team opportunities during one of Chelsea's most successful spells in their history, Sinclair was sent out on loan to several Championship and Premiership clubs in order to gain first team experience. Considered something of a journeyman at just 21 years old, former Chelsea youth coach Brendan Rogers now in charge at Swansea signed Sinclair on a permanent basis for £500,000 in August 2010. With 17 goals in the opening 33 games, Sinclair has single handedly transformed Swansea's fortunes as they push for promotion. Having kick started his career, Sinclair has been one of the division's best players and his performances have seen him rewarded with a call up to England's Under-21 set up where he scored in the recent 4-0 win against Denmark and is back on the radar of some of the Premiership's top clubs. With excellent pace, trickery and an eye for goal, Sinclair could pose a threat to Theo Walcott or James Milner in the run up to the European Championships.

4. Jordan Henderson (Sunderland)
A revelation for Sunderland this season, Henderson was rewarded for his eye catching displays with his first international cap in a friendly against France in November. Considered as the heir to Steven Gerrard for England, Henderson has been widely tipped to join Manchester United in a £20 million move. The 20 year-old is an adaptable midfielder who can play wide in the right or in a central role. With a good engine room, range of passing and tackling ability, Henderson has become an influential figure at the Stadium of Light and his performances for the Black Cats have not gone unnoticed by Capello. Should he leave in the summer to join one of the Premiership's big four, Henderson would guarantee himself playing at European level. Recently playing back with the Under-21's since his one and only cap, Henderson is a threat for a number of peripheral midfielders in the squad.

5. Josh McEachran (Chelsea)
With big tournaments always throwing up a surprise, you could question whether McEachran would have sufficient time to gatecrash Fabio Capello's plans with just over a season left to play. Howeve, the progress made by Jack Wilshere this season alone should be used as a benchmark to the cliche argument that if your good enough, your old enough. Out of nowhere Wilshere has become a regular for both Arsenal and Barcelona and has been desribed as England's most talent player since Gazza. McEachran is another massive talent with massive potential and though a year younger than Wilshere, he has already been given playing time for Chelsea in both the Premiership and Champions League. The highly rated youngster is an already established member of the the first team squad and is considered as the potential heir to Frank Lampard. With an excellent range of passing, vision, engine room and eye for goal, McEachran add'a youth to an ageing Chelsea side. Having been capped up to Under-21 level by England, McEachran will be looking to progress to the senior team.