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Goalkeepers: Frank Fielding (Blackburn), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Martin Kelly (Liverpool), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Micah Richards (Man City), Chris Smalling (Man Utd), Kyle Walker (Tottenham), Ben Mee (ManCity)

Midfielders: Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Tom Cleverley (Man Utd), Jack Cork (Chelsea), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Josh McEachran (Chelsea), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham)

Forwards: Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Scott Sinclair (Swansea), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd)

There are few surprises to be found in the goalkeeper selection, but one name in particular stands out as missing from the list of defenders: Phil Jones.

Still, just 18, the Blackburn player has proved himself a capable performer in both central defence and as a holding midfielder – and has kept the likes of Didier Drogba quiet in his eighteen Premier League appearances.

Though England are currently well equipped at centre back, and Rovers boss Sam Allardyce believes that will eventually become Jones’ permanent position, there is certainly a void in defensive midfield that Jones could well fill – especially with poor Owen Hargreaves having suffered another setback.

Elsewhere in defence, there have been rumours of Newcastle United right back Danny Simpson receiving a first call up. The former Manchester United trainee has looked in fine form since returning from injury – largely on the virtue of not being James Perch – but has provided both a reliability in the tackle and an attacking outlet on the right.

He was particularly impressive against Arsenal. Newcastle played extremely narrow at the Emirates Stadium, which perfectly countered the Gunners’ penchant to play through the middle. However, Simpson was always available out wide, and stretched the play exceptionally well.

With Micah Richards in the U21 squad, Wes Brown having retired from international football, and Gary Neville having almost retired from football full stop, there is certainly a place available in the senior England squad at right back. Simpson seemingly has a better sense of position than Glen Johnson – who is still recovering from injury – and could be handed his first cap against France.

Kieran Gibbs is also omitted from the U21s, and is expected to return to the Arsenal squad this weekend, so could be included by Fabio Capello if he is deemed fit enough. He certainly impressed on his debut against Hungary, and looks set to be the long term replacement for Ashley Cole at left back so long as he can avoid injury.

In midfield, Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson and Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere are likely to be called up. Both have enjoyed excellent starts to the season, having been given more first team action than most people expected. Though not eligible for the U21s at 24, Matt Jarvis has been mooted to be called up too – and his performances on Wolves’ left wing have been excellent this campaign – but Aston Villa’s Marc Albrighton will have to wait for his chance.

However, with Frank Lampard likely to make his return, the likeliest option is that both will merely get on the pitch in the second half.

Up front, England are in a bit of a selection crisis.

Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora are injured. Emile Heskey has retired from international football. Kevin Davies is hardly a long term solution, while Carlton Cole has struggled for form this season. Though his international goalscoring record is undoubtedly impressive, I am not convinced that Peter Crouch should be anything other than an impact substitute for England if all players are fit.

This means Newcastle’s Andy Carroll will surely be selected, with Theo Walcott’s calm finishing this season possibly earning himself a place up front alongside him. The lack of fit English strikers means that the likes of Jay Bothroyd of Cardiff and Birmingham’s Cameron Jerome have been considered, but though Daniel Sturridge has been left out of the U21 squad, he is unlikely to be brought into the senior side due to a lack of game time at Chelsea.

Fabio Capello is gradually bringing younger players into the England team to kick start the next era, after the ‘golden generation’ did not live up to their unfortunately over-hyped moniker. The Italian has the right idea in prioritising results in competitive matches, and experimenting in friendlies.

Let’s hope some of these players take their chances on their debuts.

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As the deadline approaches, frantic managers call everyone in their phone book, beg their chairman for “just a couple more million” and watch videos of “the next big thing”.
Here a few players from England’s second tier who they could think about. I’ve avoided players who simply aren’t going to be sold (e.g Adel Taarabt) and players for whom a deal seems nearly done (e.g. Marc Wilson).

Lee Camp (Goalkeeper, Nottingham Forest)

Why buy?
While all the focus has been on Watford’s Scott Loach, Camp is perhaps the division’s best shot-stopper. He was named Forest’s Player of the Season last year.
Any reasons to be cautious?
He is not the most confident under high balls.
Can a deal be done?
Possibly. Camp is a key player but Billy Davies’ frustration at lack of transfer funds could lead him to sell in order to raise cash.
Would be good for . . .
Fulham. With Schwarzer on the way out, Camp would provide healthy competition for David Stockdale.

Sean St Ledger (Defender, Preston)

Why buy?
A defender who consistently shows a composure far beyond his youth. Has international experience with Ireland.
Any reasons to be cautious?
His brief and troubled stay at Middlesborough raises questions about his abilty to adapt to a new environment.
Can a deal be done?
A good chance. Preston’s financial problems would force the club to listen to any offer.
Would be good for . .
Wigan could do with reinforcements at the back.

Kris Commons (Midfielder, Derby County)

Why buy?
All-action midfielder who has long had his admirers. Has made an excellent start to the season.
Any reasons to be cautious?
Has had problems with injuries.
Can a deal be done?
Possibly. Derby will be very reluctant to lose him but the fact that his contract expires at the end of the season will force them to listen.
Would be good for . .
Blackburn, who still look a touch short of creativity in the middle.

Michael Brown (Midfielder, Portsmouth)

Why buy?
His physical style is not easy to like but he is an effective midfield general with vast Premier League experience.
Any reasons to be cautious?
At 33, he’s not a long-term purchase.
Can a deal be done?
Definitely. With Pompey still in administration, Brown is there for the taking.
Would be good for . . .
Blackpool or any team preparing themselves for a relegation scrap.

Mikele Leigertwood (Midfielder, Qpr)

Why buy?
A powerful player capable of providing a shield for the back four. Reports last season suggested that his performances were attracting Premier League interest. Can also play in defence.
Any reasons to be cautious?
Offers little creativity.
Can a deal be done?
Possibly. With the arrival of Sean Derry, Leigertwood has found himself on the bench this year. He might be getting restless and Neil Warnock could be tempted to cash in.
Would be good for . . .
West Brom

Jay Bothroyd (Striker, Cardiff)

Why buy?
Pacey and powerful, Bothroyd is a beast of a centre-forward. Though he is scoring freely at the moment, he is perhaps most effective as the foil for a more natural goalscorer.
Any reasons to be cautious?
Had little success during his previous stays in the top flight but he does look a far better player now.
Can deal be done?
Possibly. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Cardiff will be weary of a repeat of Joe Ledley’s free transfer to Celtic. That being said, with the club soaring and Bothroyd enjoying his new partnership with Craig Bellamy, he may not fancy a move.
Would be good for . . .
West Ham, particularly if Carlton Cole does leave.

Wilfred Zaha (Striker, Crystal Palace)

Why buy?
The 17 year old looks a special talent; the Victor Moses comparisons are already being made.
Any reasons to be cautious?
With just four senior starts, this would be a gamble.

Can a deal be done?

Possibly. Palace’s financial situation has improved but their business model has always relied on the sale of its academy players. They would probably a consider a deal where he was loaned back to the club for the remainder of the season.

Would be good for . . .

There is no obvious choice but perhaps a mid-table club such as Birmingham or Sunderland might be interested.

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Tired of all the transfer tripe? Ever heard of a mysterious and shady character called the Legendary Transfer Shaman? No? Get yer arse over to Studs Up for a comic vignette so glorious you will never want to view anything else again. Pronto! (Studs Up)

“Say hello to my leeedul friend!!!”Bayern Munich and France superstar Franck Ribery seems to be letting all this fame and success rhubarb go straight to his head. (The Spoiler)

…And talking of heady optimism, this San Jose “newscaster” seems to be getting mouth-frothingly excited over new MLS signing Darren Huckerby, I think he has him confused with Pele. (The Spoiler)

Shocking reports are also wafting in that Cardiff gaffer Dave Jones is acting like Mr Big Shot all of a sudden, something that definitely needs to be nipped in the bud. (The Offside)

…And Finally – Mister Pip Neville has got an itch that will only ease when he lifts a trophy as Everton captain, maybe he should look into getting some cream for it instead… (BlueKipper)

“Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here,” said Ramsey, whose £5million move was formally completed on Friday.

“I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal,” added Ramsey. “He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me.”

It’s clear that Gunners wanted to capture this player just that little bit more than their rivals and, when you have a wage structure which can’t always compete with the very biggest clubs, it’s all about working that extra bit hard to sign these sort of players. How many times will we see him turn out for the first team next season?

Aaron Ramsey has joined Arsenal from FA Cup finalists Cardiff City in a £5m deal, BBC Sport understands.

Champions League winners Manchester United and Premier League giants Everton were also fighting to sign the 17-year-old Welsh wonderkid.

But Ramsey has chosen Arsenal after the Gunners flew him out to Switzerland for face-to-face talks with boss Arsene Wenger, who is at Euro 2008.

Cardiff confirmed that Arsenal was the “best cash offer” for the young star.

Once the midfielder was on that plane, Arsenal moved firmly into the driving seat to sign him, although it remains to be seen as to whether he plays much of a role next season or instead farmed out on loan to glean some Premier League first-team experience.

Aaron Ramsey will not decide on his future until after he has met Arsène Wenger in Switzerland on Saturday, despite Manchester United’s hopes of completing the 17-year-old’s signing this week. United announced on Tuesday that a fee, thought to be in the region of £5m, had been agreed with Cardiff City but they appear to have jumped the gun, with Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal all in the race.

It must be tremendously flattering for Ramsey to have these clubs falling over themselves to acquire his signature, although it’s important for him to choose wisely. It’s inconceivable that he’ll play too prominent a role for any of his suitors next season, and the likelihood is that he’d be farmed back on loan after signing on the dotted line anyhow.

Everton have now been given permission to talk to the player about a move to Goodison Park.

Manchester United have also had a bid accepted, whilst Arsenal are reported to have expressed an interest in the player. (Official Everton Site)

So a decent sized bid for an exciting talent in what is the weakest area of Everton’s squad, Moyes is ticking all the right boxes!

Midfielder Ramsey, seen as a new Ryan Giggs, has been under the spotlight with the Bluebirds with their two appearances at Wembley. He was subject of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and the boarding school that is Spurs, despite only 22 games and 2 goals for Cardiff.

A statement on manutd.com said:

Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to terms being agreed and the player passing a medical.

I believe its a good move for United and Ramsey. His development will grow at United and it is great to see Fergie investing in young British talent. Its just a good job he isn’t English or he would have cost £10m+.

There is talk of him being loaned back to Ninian Park for the 2008/09 season, surely a good move for all three parties, what with the successes of Ben Foster at Watford and Fraizer Campbell at Hull.

Maybe Joe Ledley is next on the shopping list?

The Daily Telegraph report that Liverpool have also made a similar offer to try and secure Ramsey’s services, although it’s possible that the player will remain at Ninian Park for at least one more season before warming the bench of a Big Four club (plenty of time to do that as Theo Walcott can testify).

Liverpool and Arsenal, planning to build on their recent summer transfers, have both seen offers for 17-year old midfielder Aaron Ramsey rejected by Cardiff City.

Both offers, said to be close to £5m, were deemed unsuitable by the FA Cup finalists as a large part of the deals were based on provisions dependant on the teenager’s development. Cardiff are looking for a more sizeable cash settlement up front before they release their prize asset.

This rebuff clearly won’t stop Premier League clubs sniffing around the player, in an attempt to snare him before his valuation goes through the roof. However, with the Bluebirds gunning for promotion from the Championship next season, the princely sum of £10million could be enough to acquire the player and give City the chance to sign a handful of new players in the process.

“I don’t take much notice to be honest, I just ignore the speculation.

“I will do what I want to at the end of the day, but I am happy at Cardiff.”

The Welshman will be looking to avoid the path of Theo Walcott, who has only had limited first-team opportunities with Arsenal since signing from Southampton. There is the possibility that he will be snapped up in the summer, only to be loaned back out to a Championship club, even Cardiff. However, it seems as though there’s a wise head on those young shoulders.