England skipper believes talented Gunners' youngsters prove national set-up has a bright future (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

England skipper believes talented Gunners' youngsters prove national set-up has a bright future

4:40pm Friday 26th September 2008 in

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ENGLAND skipper John Terry believes the future is very bright for the national team and claimed Arsenal are not the only club with talented young English players.

Only weeks ago there seemed to be very little to get excited about as far as the Three Lions set-up was concerned.

But, following Theo Walcott's stunning hat-trick performance in Croatia and Arsenal youngsters' demolition of Sheffield United on Tuesday which included six potential England stars, Chelsea defender Terry believes the future for the country is very encouraging.

"We're seeing Arsene Wenger having the confidence to put his young players out but it's not just Arsenal," said Terry.

"Our reserves at Chelsea, with a lot of English players, went to Arsenal recently and beat them.

"We've got a lot of good English youngsters at our place and I'm sure a lot of other teams have too."

With managers under increasing pressure to bring instant success in the Premier League, young players often have to wait for their chance in the Carling Cup or prove themselves on loan.

But Terry said: "I think managers want to see young English players do well.

"Certainly at our place I love it when the young English guys come over and really make a big impact in training.

"These guys don't stay in their shell, they play their game and I think we all like to see it.

"The talent is out there and right now managers are having the confidence to put them in and give them a chance.

"It's a great advert for English football and good news for England. Young players coming through all over the country keeps us all on our toes."