O, the brave new world of English football is launched tonight.

Peter Taylor's young lions take on Euro 2000 runners-up Italy in Turin with not a gnarled old pro in sight.

With Sven Goran Eriksson waiting in the wings, caretaker Taylor has made sure his reign will long be remembered as they day youth was given its head.

All power to his elbow, even if some of the old 'uns like Teddy Sheringham and Martin Keown will have to be recalled for the real business of World Cup qualifying.

But while Taylor's making it look like a young man's game, they may beg to differ down at Turf Moor and Ewood Park.

Two of Burnley's top performers in Saturday's win over Sheffield United are now 36, with neither Kevin Ball or Mitchell Thomas showing any signs of slowing down.

And along the M65 at Ewood, Rovers' resurgence has coincided largely with the arrival of 37-year-old warrior Mark Hughes.

Hughes is busy enough leading Wales but what sort of 35-and-over side could England put out?

Of those currently playing this lot may take some beating, with senior statesman Bobby Robson in charge, of course. Whether they'd score many goals is a pertinent question. But if we need a 0-0 away in Greece to make it to the 2002 finals then look no further than this fine body of men: John Lukic; Lee Dixon, Stuart Pearce, Gary Pallister, Mitchell Thomas, Nigel Winterburn; Ian Bishop, Kevin Ball, Andy Hessenthaler; Tony Cottee, Paul Rideout.