FA DIRECTOR of development Trevor Brooking has picked out Saints winger Alex Chamberlain as one of the reasons to be optimistic about England’s future.

Since the senior side’s dismal showing at the 2010 World Cup there has been an even greater focus on the players coming through the England ranks.

Brooking feels there are a number of reasons to be hopeful in England’s under 17, 18 and 19 sides.

And Saints flyer Chamberlain, son of former Portsmouth and England winger Mark, is one of them.

The promising teenager got his first taste of the England set-up last month when he was called up to the under-18s and started in the friendly against Poland.

As well as catching the eye of England’s youth coaches and a number of Premier League sides – Liverpool, Fulham and Arsenal are all reportedly interested in the 17-year-old – Chamberlain has also impressed Brooking.

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He said: “This year I have seen a number in our Under 17, 18 and 19 teams who could soon be pushing for a place in the full England team.

“The World Cup in Brazil in 2014 might be too soon for them.

“But I’d like to think that by the time 2018 comes around they will really be starting to come through.

“I honestly think this group has a chance.

“We haven’t had this much talent before, but we’ve got it now.

“Nico Yennaris of Arsenal is a really good player in midfield.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Southampton is good and so is Jordan Obita of Reading.

"And then in the Under-19s we have eight or nine players we have fast-tracked."

Chamberlain became Saints’ second youngest debutant behind Theo Walcott when he made his debut aged 16 years and 199 days against Huddersfield last March.

The youngster, who signed a three year pro contract at Saints in August, has made 21 appearances (13 starts) so far this term, scoring five times.