Terry excited by rising stars

England captain John Terry believes the future is bright for the national team after watching Arsenal's youngsters destroy Sheffield United in their midweek Carling Cup tie.

However, he insists English youngsters are blossoming all over the country and not just in north London. The Gunners' 6-0 victory was achieved by a team with an average age of just 19 and including six young Englishmen.

"I've been very encouraged by seeing that game and it's great for English football," said Terry. "We're seeing Arsene Wenger having the confidence to put his young players out but it's not just Arsenal."

The Chelsea defender added: "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 as well and I'm sure a lot of other teams have too.

"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."