10 England Under-21 Stars Poised To Have a Breakout Season in 2011-12
With the England Under-21 squad beginning play against Spain in the Under-21 European Championship over the weekend and with the recent signings of Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Michael Mancienne to new clubs, the hype around Stuart Pearce's side is growing.
With most of the players in the squad starting to gain more exposure and playing time with Premier League and lower league clubs, it is time to spotlight these players as they will all make a major impact for their respective clubs next season.
Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea
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Sturridge was sent on loan to Bolton in January; he impressed manager Owen Coyle and fans at Reebok Stadium by scoring eight goals.
While Coyle would love to sign Sturridge permanently, the staff at Chelsea would love to keep him and give him time in the first team—especially if Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres struggle to begin the season.
Phil Jones, Manchester United
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The 19-year-old defender signed with Manchester United earlier this week for about £20 million from Blackburn.
Jones will be part of the new guard in the back four at Old Trafford, with the Da Silva twins, Fabio and Rafael at fullback, and with Chris Smalling partnering with Jones in the center of defense.
Chris Smalling, Manchester United
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After playing for Fulham for two seasons, Smalling moved to Manchester United this season and made 16 appearances for the Red Devils when Rio Ferdinand was out due to injury.
Smalling will be paired with fellow international Phil Jones not only as the future of the United defense but also as the future of the England defense.
Kyle Walker, Tottenham
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Walker was on loan at QPR and Aston Villa this season and impressed at both Loftus Road and Villa Park.
The 21-year-old defender impressed manager Gerard Houllier at Villa and was put into the first team 18 times.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is key to keeping the defender at White Hart Lane, and it looks like he will stay with Spurs in their campaign to get back into the Champions League.
Michael Mancienne, Hamburg
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Mancienne just completed a move to Hamburg in the past week, as he failed to make his way into the first team at Chelsea.
After spending years out on loan at QPR and Wolves, the defender finally decided to find consistent first team action on his move to Imtech Arena to join the German club.
Jack Rodwell, Everton
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The midfielder has been playing at the international level for England since 2006, when he played with the Under-16 squad.
Rodwell has long been rumored to be going to the big clubs in the Premier League and could still move to a Top Four club this summer.
The 20-year-old has been capped 16 times for the Under-21 squad and has been a part of the Everton first team since 2007.
Jordan Henderson, Liverpool
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Henderson just became the newest member of King Kenny's revival at Anfield, as he joined Liverpool from Sunderland last week.
The winger played in 37 of 38 games for Sunderland in the 2010-11 season and could start for the Reds next season.
Henderson has also made one appearance for the senior national team—on Nov. 17th, 2010, against France.
Connor Wickham, Ipswich Town
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The only player on this list to be currently playing in the Championship, Wickham has garnered attention from Premier League clubs in the past year.
The 18-year-old has been linked with both Liverpool and Tottenham, and it is just a matter of time before he makes his move to the Premier League.
Scott Sinclair, Swansea
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After being sent out on loan numerous times from parent club Chelsea, Sinclair finally moved to Swansea last season in search of playing time.
Sinclair showed what a talent he really is as he helped lead the Swans to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old winger scored 27 total goals in all competitions, including 19 league goals for the newly promoted Welsh club.
Marc Albrighton. Aston Villa
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Last season was supposed to be Albrighton's breakout season at Villa Park after a successful start to the year, but after making headlines early in the season, he faded out of focus halfway through the season.
Now, with new management coming into Villa Park for the second straight season, the 21-year-old will hope to get a full time starting job on the wing, especially if Ashley Young leaves the club.
