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Friday’s outing against Montenegro should find the England side sailing into next year’s Euros. But how will the team line up in 2012? The Life’s a Pitch team wonders whether the England team sheet might have Alex Ferguson’s fingerprints all over it.

“I think we’re seeing the backs of people like Rio Ferdinand,” concedes David Walker of the Sunday Mirror, speaking of the Man United defender’s recent omission from Capello’s squad. “And one or two others will fall by the wayside.”

David is presumably referring to the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Steven Gerrard – the “Golden Generation” that never quite lived up to the hype. It’s not all doom and gloom though. If anything, the future looks rather rosy, thanks to some sterling work at Manchester United.

“We’ve got the likes of Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling coming through,” enthuses Tom Hopkinson of The People. “These are great players.”

“I certainly think the future for England defensively is Man United,” agrees Adrian Clarke of the Red White & Blue podcast. “Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are John Terry and Rio Ferdinand elect. Once they become first choice at Old Trafford they will become first choice for England. Plus Ashley Young’s partnership with Rooney is bearing fruit up front.”

The panel goes on to discuss Danny Welbeck’s inclusion in the side. And talk also turns to the candidates for next England manager (including a certain Professor Wenger).

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