Now England have qualified for the 2014 World Cup attention swiftly turns to who will be included in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad.
Understandably, Hodgson said plans for Brazil are "on hold" as he savours qualification at this early juncture, but for the budding players this is perhaps the most open England squad selection process in decades.
Although Hodgson championed the older heads in his squad, he lauded the "blend between the experienced players and the younger players". At the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2004 England unleashed two strikers, in Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, who gave the Three Lions a swagger rarely scene at major tournaments.
Ahead of Brazil 2014, here are five currently uncapped talents who could thrive in South America...
ROSS BARKLEY
Roy Hodgson and his coaches have been present at five Everton games Barkley has featured in this season which suggests, like Everton coach Roberto Martínez opined, that the "more they watch him the more they fall in love".
Barkley has scored twice for Everton this season
Barkley, who turns 20 in December, is a regular in Everton's attacking trio behind Romelu Lukaku and, for a relatively young age, boasts an impressive physique which doesn't inhibit his ebullient playing style. He would certainly offer England greater thrust centrally away from the immobile Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
RAVEL MORRISON
Arguably the best English footballer of his generation, although an on-pitch spat with Under-21 teammate Wilfried Zaha on Tuesday night shows he is still prone to rashness, he scored another stunning solo goal and was man of the match.
Morrison is in fine form for club and country
A similar talent to Barkley, Morrison is a lither alternative to the Evertonian and can conduct play from a deeper role. England excelled against Poland thanks to a prompter build-up play and Morrison is not renowned for his ponderousness.
LUKE SHAW
As selfish as it sounds, Shaw's hopes of travelling to Brazil rest on the fitness of Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole and Kieran Gibbs. Left-back is the strongest area in the England squad and it is testament to Shaw's excellence he is fourth choice, maybe even fifth after Danny Rose.
Shaw has excelled in the red of Southampton and white of England
It is a matter of time until he wins that first cap, though. Shaw showcases such a near perfect balance for the modern day fullback it is difficult to gauge whether he is more impressive at defending or attacking.
THOMAS INCE
If Ince is to follow in his father's footsteps a January transfer to a Premier League club is essential. A move back to Liverpool broke down in January and he rejected the chance to join Cardiff in the summer.
Ince played at the Under-21 European Championship
With places up for grabs on both wings, Ince won't force his way into Hodgson's starting line-up but could offer an exciting outlet as an impact player off the bench.
FRASER FORSTER
Though Forster has distinguished himself at Celtic the hype surrounding his performance against Barcelona was an isolated one and an indication of how undervalued the SPL is.
Forster might have to move back south of the border
He was rightly ignored by Hodgson in favour of Joe Hart for the Montenegro and Poland qualifiers and is not even regarded as second choice. The 25-year-old could be left out altogether if Ben Foster, coaxed out of international retirement by Hodgson, makes a successful return from injury. Like Ince, his place could hinge on a Premier League January move.