Former Scotland midfield player Stuart McCall is forecasting a bright future for his country's arch-rivals England.

The Bradford City captain and assistant manager, who won 40 caps for Scotland, is impressed by the number of talented young players Kevin Keegan has at his disposal.

Speaking on the eve of England's crucial World Cup qualifying match against Germany at Wembley tomorrow, he said: "The great thing about England is that they have some good youngsters coming through.

"David Beckham and Paul Scholes are established internationals but they are still only in their mid-20s.

"Then, there are Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand. There is no doubt that Joe Cole is going to be a fine player and I like Steven Gerr-ard and Gareth Barry. as well.

"In the short term, they just want to qualify for the later stages of the World Cup, but looking ahead in the next 12 months I think they will do well and if I was an England player or manager I would be delighted at the youngsters coming through. I think England should be full of optimism for the future."

McCall knows, though, that England must bounce back from the disappointment of Euro 2000 to qualify for the later stages of the World Cup.

He said: "England will be looking for a winning start at home.

"You have got to win them. Germany are not as strong as they have been and they are in disarray at the moment.

"England were disappointing in Euro 2000, but I have always admired Kevin Keegan as a player and he is just as enthusiastic as a manager.

"You would love to play for him. He lets you go out and express yourself.

"Unfortunately, from my point of view, you don't see so many good young players coming through for Scotland.

"Scotland have not produced any world class players recently and they are now going back to their grass roots."