Emile Heskey insists there are promising youngsters coming through that will flourish for England.
Powerful forward also wants to remain at Aston Villa
England and Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey insists there are promising youngsters coming through that will flourish for the Three Lions.
Heskey was part of the England squad that flopped in South Africa this summer, crashing out in the second round after a dismal 4-1 thrashing at the hands of old foes Germany.
Manager Fabio Capello will stay on after receiving the backing of the Football Association on Friday, and the Italian will need to rebuild for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
He is expected to call up a number of younger players, and Heskey believes there are many promising individuals who could make the step up.
"I think there is a great group of players behind this one," he said. "Didn't the Under 21s get to a final? The U17s, too, became European champions.
"James Milner has just been promoted to the senior squad and there's some good new lads coming through. So yes, I still think the future is safe.
"Look at Villa. As well as James, there's English players in Luke Young, Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Worry
"When you don't see too many youngsters playing that much football in the Premier League you get a little bit worried.
"But our U21s getting to a final means we're doing something right. My generation never did that.
"I don't think there will be a new, huge batch of players sweeping into the England squad. There's going to be fresh players, though, younger ones.
"There's going to be some experienced players still doing their thing. But we will have young legs in there too so, fingers crossed, everything is bright in my mind."
Heskey only made 24 appearances for Premier League side Villa last season and speculation has mounted that he could leave the club in the near future.
However, he has quashed such talk and insists he is happy where he is. He added: "I'm happy there. We've got a good squad. Young lads, English lads. So fingers crossed we will do well in the new season."
