Precocious Talents Wait to Explode at Kindergarten Cup

Much has been made of Jürgen Klinsmann's decision to go with youth in his Germany revolution but the young guns of the home nation will be made to look positively ancient by a swathe of dazzling teenagers preparing to take the World Cup by storm.

Lukas Podolski and Marcell Jansen, both just 21, and 22-year olds Bastian Schweinsteiger and Robert Huth are the babies of the Germany squad but even these prodigies will be made to look long in the tooth.

Klinsmann has been pilloried for risking the host nation's dreams by fielding a new generation of stars but compared to other coaches who have taken chances on even younger players, the Germany trainer looks to have gone for experience.

But as the old adage goes: if you're good enough, you're old enough.

Whether it's a teenage Pele dazzling in 1958 or a fresh-faced Michael Owen searing through Argentina's defense 40 years later, World Cup history has proved that the kids are usually alright.

And that bodes well for a crop of talented tyros who will be amongst the 736 players heading to a World Cup that is positively over-flowing with youthful promise.

Argentina's Messi hoping to emulate idol Maradona

Leading the charge will be Argentina's prodigious young star Lionel Messi, the Barcelona star who was in scintillating form before an injury ruled him out of the final months of the season.

Messi, who will turn 19 during the finals, is a veteran of Argentina's victorious youth World Cup win in 2005 and has already earned favorable comparisons to his idol Diego Maradona.

Even Maradona himself has waxed lyrically about Messi's talent. "What most surprises me about him is that he hasn't got control problems," Maradona said. "The ball remains on the upper part of his foot, like it is glued to it. He feels the ball, and that makes him different to the rest."

"He's also got another gear, a sixth speed. And the best part of all is that he hasn't reached his peak."

As Argentina look to Messi to light up their challenge, Spain could well call upon another talented teenager, Cesc Fabregas, to provide their midfield with some attacking brio.

Fabregas: the prince waiting to be crowned king

The 19-year-old was one of the stars of Arsenal's run to the final of the Champions League this season, and is being tipped to shine in the World Cup by former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson.

"If he can get in the Spain team he could be the main player in the World Cup," said Merson. "He's that good. He can be a dark horse and maybe take Spain a little bit further than where they've been before."

Fabregas is joined in the Spanish ranks by another young starlet, Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, who became his country's youngest player in 63 years when he appeared in a friendly against China last year aged 18.

Madrid's Ramos eager to live up to huge price tag

Ramos, who has only just turned 20, is the second most expensive teenager in world football last year when he signed from Sevilla for 27.7 million euros ($35.2 million).

Until now, the most expensive teenager had been England's talismanic striker Wayne Rooney, a snip at 39.3 million euros when Manchester United bought him from Everton in 2004. Rooney, still only 20, has been picked for England's squad but is a doubtful participant because of a broken foot.

Yet England's squad will not be lacking young blood, with the uncapped Theo Walcott and Tottenham's Aaron Lennon the surprise choices in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 23-man party.

England not lacking young blood despite Rooney doubts

While 19-year-old Lennon's inclusion was universally applauded after the Spurs winger's superb form in the Premiership, Walcott's selection has divided opinion in England, where it is viewed as either a gamble too far or a stroke of genius.

Walcott has not even played in England's top division for his club Arsenal, who signed him in January in a deal that could cost up to 17.4 million euros.

Eriksson, who has never seen Walcott play, admitted that the youngster's selection is a risk but believes the teenager's electrifying pace and poise could give England a useful impact weapon from the substitute's bench, especially if the Three Lions are lacking their talismanic young star Rooney.

"Walcott is a huge talent and I think he's mentally ready," said Eriksson.

"I don't think anyone expects him to come on against Brazil and score three goals but he deserves to be here.

"I don't think he has any fear - and why should he? He was surprised to be picked but he fits in, and he is very quick."