Carrick (left) is congratulated after scoring

"The focus should be on the World Cup for a lot of individuals that are in my squad."

And it is clear many of England's young brigade may have bigger fish to fry next summer if they continue their current rate of progress.

Blackburn Rovers midfield man David Dunn hit the headlines with his spectacular equaliser in the 2-2 first leg draw in Utrecht, with Eriksson swiftly dropping the heaviest of hints that the youngster can make plans for his England debut.

Dunn has an opportunity to stake a late claim for the problem left-sided midfield role, with Liverpool's Nick Barmby currently injured and Eriksson still searching for alternatives.

Michael Carrick has already won full England honours, and will have high hopes of being selected for the squad for Korea and Japan.

Carrick's composed midfield performances, allied to his winner at Pride Park in front of the watching Eriksson, makes him a genuine contender for the full squad.

And if Eriksson is looking for an outsider to come through on the rails, Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland may just have started his charge with a stunning performance in the win against Holland.

Kirkland is only 20 and has been starved of senior action this season, but he has a massive reputation within the game and enhanced it at Pride Park.

He pulled off a succession of stunning saves, and Platt said: "I thought he was exceptional.

Kirkland - outstanding potential

"Holland played very well and perhaps deserved to score, but that's what Chris is there for and he did his job very well."

Kirkland has been deputy to Poland's Jerzy Dudek since they both arrived at Anfield on the same day in early September.

But Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has such faith in the giant youngster that he was prepared to part with a reported �8m to Coventry City to ensure he did not miss out on Kirkland, even though he already had the Dudek deal in the bag.

Kirkland's chances of going to the World Cup may be hampered by a lack of Premiership football, if he gets his chance the England door may still be open.

Eriksson's first choice David Seaman is injured, and while Kirkland would not be a contender to actually play, he should not be ruled out of a possible squad place.

Platt has also had use of Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves, a full England cap, and West Ham United's Joe Cole.

Ledley King is making giant strides

Hargreaves is another candidate for the World Cup squad, while the mercurial Cole cannot be ruled out if he regains his fitness and produces top form at West Ham.

Spurs youngster Ledley King is another England youngster winning rave reviews.

And with doubts about the form and fitness of Arsenal duo Martin Keown and Sol Campbell, he may be another outside bet for late selection.

It paints a pretty picture for the future of English football.

And if Platt has to donate several of his stars to a successful England World Cup squad, it is a sacrifice he is clearly willing to make.