Bright Young Things

Denmark 1-2 England

A lively match provided a stage for two top prospects to show their ability.

Nineteen year-old Jack Wilshere didn't look at all out of his depth whilst making his first start for the senior side before picking up a knock and departing at half time. His good first touch and excellent technique added something to the centre of England's midfield that's been lacking since Paul Gascoigne departed more than 10 years ago (there's a case to be made for saying Paul Scholes here but, in my opinion he's a less technical player than either Wilshere or Gazza).

His main strength, apart from his technique of course, is his ability to find space and continually offer a passing option to the player in possession. This enables the team to retain possession far more comfortably than they would be able to otherwise, a problem that England had at the World Cup in the summer and have suffered from for a long time. Wilshere is clearly not the man to fill England's defensive midfield hole permanently (they did look more solid defensively after Barry came on in his place) but his flexibility should prove invaluable for the next decade (and beyond).

Wilshere's counterpart in the midfield battle was Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen. The 18 year-old started 'in the hole' behind Nicklas Bendtner with licence to roam around to find space, and showed equally good skill and technique, especially early in the first half when the game was very open. His cross for Denmark's goal was excellent and his dead ball delivery looked consistently dangerous. He's very much and 'Arsenal-type' player, a physically small and technically accomplished attacking midfielder and must surely be being watched by leading scouts regularly. He will have done his chances of a lucrative move to one of Europe's top leagues no harm with his display in this friendly.