Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits his young players could rescue England from the international doldrums.

The emergence of Welbeck and Tom Cleverley alongside signings Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and ­Ashley Young has evoked the era of Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Nevilles.

"They've got to form the basis of my team first, but somewhere along the line playing for us leads to ­England," the Scot said. "It's a bonus for England when so many come from the same team. They've got the same commitment and dedication of the lads who came through here in the early nineties.

"They are close, having played in the Under-21s. They live close to each other in Cheshire and seem to be good friends. They're decent types."