Predicting England's Next Realistic Ballon d'Or Contender

December 2001 certainly seems like a long time ago, at least in footballing terms. Arsenal were halfway through a season that would eventually see them clinch a domestic double, while the world was gearing up for a World Cup in Japan and South Korea the following year.

But on an individual front, England's Michael Owen was at the very top of world football, as he claimed the prestigious Ballon d'Or title.

He became the fourth Englishman to do so, after Stanley Matthews (the inaugural winner in 1956), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979).

Fast forward 13 years, though, and there isn't one single English player on the 23-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or. Granted, there's plenty of competition, but for England to not have one single representation perhaps speaks volumes about the state of the national side.

Only Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have been in the top three of any Ballon d'Or process since Owen's victory in 2001, and that was in 2005. That means for nine years (probably more, in all reality), not one Englishman has come close to winning the prestigious award. Which almost raises the question: Who will be the next Englishman to realistically be able to challenge for the Ballon d'Or?

It's a difficult question to answer in some ways because professional football is such a complex, ever-changing industry that any potential candidate could dramatically fall off the radar. However, there could be some young English talent that will improve to such a degree that they become a contender in their own right in the coming years.

But despite the obvious failings of the England national team in the last few years, the future does offer some hope in regard to players that could challenge for the honour, and become England's fifth Ballon d'Or winner.

Raheem Sterling

When discussing players that have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, young players all across the country should take hope from Raheem Sterling. He was integrated into the first-team setup at Liverpool aged only 17, and he didn't quite look ready for a step into the unknown of the Premier League.

However, the last 12 months for Sterling have been nothing short of sensational, and he played a major role in Liverpool going incredibly close to winning the Premier League title last season.

He's now one of Brendan Rodgers' most important players, and with his electrifying pace and incredible skill, it is little wonder that Sterling's name is being touted around with some other huge clubs.

If he continues on the path he is on, big things are surely in the offing for Raheem Sterling. And realistically, at the age of just 19, Sterling has many years ahead of him to become a genuine Ballon d'Or contender.

Dominic Solanke

At the age of just 17, the suggestion that Dominic Solanke could go on and become one of the best players in world football is a bold one.

But as with anything else in sport, you can only examine a case on what has already been confined to the annals of history. And although Solanke only made his Chelsea debut against Maribor recently, you sense he is a special talent. If Jose Mourinho speaks so highly of you (as he has done), then there is clearly something very special about Solanke.

He was part of the England squad that won the European under-17 Championship earlier this year, which was a tremendous nod to the talent coming through at the younger end of English football.

At just 16, he finished as the tournament's top scorer, netting four goals in as many appearances. He got England's goal in the final, too.

We'll learn a lot more about Solanke in the coming months for sure, especially if Chelsea's strikers struggle with injury. But from what we've seen so far, the next 10 years or so could be very exciting for the young forward.

Ross Barkley

Like Sterling, Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has enjoyed a sensational year of football, going from fringe player at the Blues to genuine England international.

Loan spells out at the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday told us very little about Barkley's talent, but after breaking through into Roberto Martinez's first team at Goodison Park, Barkley is catching the eye of everyone in world football.

Without putting too much pressure on young shoulders, he looks to be one of the most talented footballers England have produced since Paul Gascoigne, at least with the ball at his feet.

His technical ability is such that big clubs will undoubtedly become interested in Barkley's services the more he performs for Everton and England.

At the age of just 20, Barkley still has improving to do, you feel. And if he does develop into a better player, there's every possibility that in the next five or six years, Barkley will be touted as a genuine Ballon d'Or nominee.

Jack Wilshere

The curious case of Jack Wilshere is perhaps one of the most intriguing stories in European football. When he is on form, Wilshere is one of the very best players in Europe to watch, even at the tender age of just 22.

However, injuries and mysterious dips in form are far too frequent for Arsenal and England fans alike, with Wilshere seemingly lacking an element of consistency to his game.

As with the likes of Sterling and Barkley, Wilshere has improvement left in him. And if he manages to piece together regular form over the next six or seven years of his career, perhaps Wilshere has all the ability and talent to break into the top clutch of players in world football.

Of course, Arsenal and England must discover his best role, with many believing that a No. 10 spot is where Wilshere's game is best suited. 

If Wilshere, club and country can find a perfect formula, though, England still have one of the most exciting, live wire footballers on their hands.