Goalkeeper

Russell Howarth, Tranmere Rovers

Has represented England at Under-16, 18, 20 and 21 levels and last November he left York for Prenton Park. And, with some uncertainty surrounding the No 1 spot in the national side, this would be a good season to impress.



Defenders

Anton Ferdinand (West Ham United)

The versatile younger brother of England centre-back Rio will be looking at this season as an ideal opportunity to not only stake a claim for a first-team spot in the Hammers back line, but also to catch the eye of Under-21 manager David Platt. Can operate at both left-back, and in the centre.


Leon Cort (Southend Utd)

A commanding centre-back who, after signing for Millwall in 1998, then joined the Shrimpers in 2001, where he has been a regular ever since. Cort, whose elder brother Carlton plays for Newcastle United, is still young and learning his trade, but if he matures as fast as he has done to date, then maybe England recognition could follow.


Matthew Dawson (Nottingham Forest)

A product of the renowned youth academy at the City Ground, this giant 19-year-old centre-back made such an impression last season, that he received a call-up to train with the full England team in February. Will be hoping to continue the impressive start that he has already made to his fledging career and, in turn, help Forest win promotion to the Premiership, while at the same time also possibly catching the eye of Sven-Göran Eriksson.

Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United)

Like many of his team-mates at Bramall Lane last season, this 20-year-old right-back had an eye-catching campaign, capping his season off with a goal in the U-21's crucial 2-0 win over Slovakia last June. Will need to maintain that form though if he has aspirations of representing his country at senior level.


Midfield

Steve Sidwell (Reading)

The Wandsworth-born attacking midfielder joined the Royals from Arsenal in February following loan spells with Brentford and Brighton, and played a key role as his club reached the play-offs. Now 20-years-old, another energy-fuelled campaign like last seasons could lead to bigger and better things on the international stage for this U-21 squad member.

Michael Carrick (West Ham United

This highly-promising 22-year-old midfielder had a hugely disappointing campaign last season as his club were relegated to the First Division, even being booed by his own supporters at one point. But, that will all be forgotten if he can inspire the Hammers to win back promotion to the top-flight and in so doing, possibly also gain a first cap for the England senior team?

Michael Tonge, Sheffield United

The 20-year-old playmaker enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season for the Blades, leading to a vast array of Premiership admirers. However, he needs to repeat those levels of performances in 2003/04, while also delivering the goods for the U-21s.


Forwards

Dave Kitson, Cambridge United

The tall striker was on target on 25 occasions last season, but what was even more impressive was the fact that he also contributed eleven assists to his teams campaign, all-round form that if repeated in Division Three this season, could lead to the 23-year-old getting noticed.


Jermain Defoe, West Ham United

The U21 international should score a hatful of goals in the First Division this season after hitting eight in 38 Premiership games last campaign. Although, with both Manchester United and Southampton reportedly showing an interest in the 20-year-old, he will need to keep his mind clear of distractions if he is to continue the already rapid progress that he has made in his short football career to date.

Sam Parkin, Swindon Town

The 22-year-old enjoyed a remarkable debut season in the Second Division last time out, hitting the back of the net 26 times, and if he carries on this August where he left off last campaign, then the former Chelsea youth product may be the subject of even more headlines.


by Richard Morgan