Five youngsters who can make it to Roy Hodgson's World Cup party

Steven Caulker

It’s not often that a newly-promoted side parts with £8.5million for a 21-year-old – much less a centre-back – but Cardiff City may well have a future England starter on their hands in Steven Caulker.

The Bluebirds sit a respectable 14th in the Premier League, and have only conceded nine goals in seven games – a good record for a team coming up to the top-flight. The former Tottenham defender left White Hart Lane for regular football, and is flourishing – he is Cardiff’s top performer so far with a Performance Score of 154.

Given the absence of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry on the international scene, the centre-back spots are very much up for grabs; while Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill are seasoned professionals, there is every chance that Caulker could make a spot in the team – let alone a squad role – his own with a good season for Cardiff – though he will have to improve on his duel win rate of 57% to stand a realistic chance.

It’s unlikely Hodgson will entrust a vital starting role to a youngster not playing in the Champions League, yet Caulker has all the skills needed to make the grade.