England legend David Beckham has tipped Roy Hodgson’s young squad to play without fear at the World Cup.
The Three Lions’ party has an average age of 26, with the likes of Ross Barkley, 20, Raheem Sterling, 19, and 22-year-old Jack Wilshere set to feature in Brazil.
England kick off their campaign against Italy in Manaus on 14 June and face Uruguay five days later before finishing their group matches with a clash against Costa Rica the following week.
Captain Steven Gerrard, 34, and 35-year-old Frank Lampard are the elder statesmen of the group but former skipper Beckham reckons the new wave of talent can spring a surprise or two this summer.
Sterling and Oxlade-Chamberlain are two of the young players expected to feature in Brazil
He said: "It’s a young team, it’s fresh and they’re all in great form. They’ve all had good seasons for their clubs.
"People have said they’re worried about young kids going into a massive tournament but there’s no reason to be worried.
"They’re all playing in the best league in the world - the toughest league in the world - and they’re all playing against top quality players week in, week out. They're young kids and young kids are always nerve-free when they go into these competitions.
"But you need a bit of experience and we’ve got experience in this squad. Steven Gerrard has come off one of the best seasons he and Liverpool have had in years and he’s in great form.
"The young lads are going to need people like him and Frank who have that vital experience but the youngsters will be so excited about this World Cup."
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When asked if England can get out of their group, Beckham told ITV: "Of course they can. The first game is a big one against Italy but they’ll be up for it.
"It’s a tough group but all the groups in a World Cup are tough. The lads have prepared right – they always prepare well for big competitions and Roy is exceptional at that. They’ll be ready."
Beckham, 39, featured in three World Cup campaigns for England and admitted he would love to have had the opportunity to appear in this summer;s spectacle.
He added: "I played in a few World Cups with England and had some really good times but this is the exciting one, playing in Brazil. It doesn’t get much better than a World Cup in Brazil.
"I’ll miss not being out there on the pitch – playing for England is one of the things I miss most in football."
