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Heading into the wilderness of Essex, Colchester to be exact, to watch Stuart Pearce's young lions in action was a great opportunity to have a look at some of the England stars of the future in action.
For some of the players involved on Thursday's game against Iceland at the Colchester Community Stadium, an exciting future may not be that far away as Jack Rodwell and Daniel Sturridge were both in Pearce's squad but were later called up to the senior side which will face Spain and Sweden in friendlies at Wembley over the next week.
Heading into the game on Thursday night, England had a 100% record in the qualifying round of the 2013 European Championship and that run continued as they comprehensively beat Iceland 5-0 with goals coming from Marvin Sordell, Martin Kelly, Craig Dawson and a late brace from Gary Gardner.
The result may have been flattering for England but confidence is running high in the Under 21's camp at the moment as they look to be heading to Israel in two-years time.
Liverpool's Jordan Henderson and Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were the two stand-out performers against Iceland and, if they continue their fine form for Pearce's side and for their clubs, both could make a late push to be involved in Capello's squad for the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine next summer.
Pearce may not want to lose his better and more experienced players, but at the same time he is delighted as it shows a positivity from the FA, with the likes of Phil Jones, Kyle Walker and Danny Welbeck having recently progressed from the under 21's.
"I'm obviously delighted that they've got their opportunity to go through and get to senior level," Pearce said. "The first thing I do when the senior squad is announced is count up how many of the players have come through the Under 21's.
"The Jones' and Walker's of this world are there on merit and have been doing extremely well for their clubs. They are great talents and good kids as well, they deserve their chance.
"I have to make sure that I'm forever here and if the players aren't playing at senior level they can always play under 21's football. An international career isn't just about going up at one stage and never coming back down.
"If they're good enough to stay at level and play then brilliant. I'll be the first one to keeping pushing them and promoting them because it's important we're always here to be supporting these young players."
