Eurosport takes a look at some of the young, and not so young, players who could feature in the England Six Nations squad due to be announced on Wednesday.

England head coach Brian Ashton has a wealth of young talent to choose from, as well as a couple of recently-qualified southern hemisphere players.

Ashton is likely to stick with a core of tried and tested internationals and gradually introduce a new generation around them.

Up front, Simon Shaw, Andrew Sheridan, Matt Stevens, Phil Vickery and Lewis Moody should form the spine of the team, while Jonny Wilkinson, Paul Sackey, Matthew Tait and the fit-again Mike Tindall are likely to be starters in the backs.

But there is a group of up-and-coming players who could also feature in the England set-up this season and still be around in 2011 for the next World Cup. Amongst them are:

Danny Cipriani (Wasps) - Fly-half/full-back

The coming man of English rugby, 20-year-old Cipriani has been in fine form with Wasps this season. The fly-half cum full-back was part of the World Cup training squad before missing out at the final squad, so he has already had a taste of the big time. A prodigious talent, Cipriani has gas to spare, a fabulous boot and passes superbly off both hands. Unlikely to wrestle the number 10 jersey off Jonny Wilkinson just yet, but deserves extended chance to show what he can do at this level.

Dylan Hartley (Northampton) - Hooker

World Cup chances disappeared when he received a lengthy ban for gouging, but the New Zealand-born Hartley (pictured) has the size and mobility to make the England number two shirt his own. England are not blessed with hookers of size. Hampered by playing National Division One with the Saints this season, but many see him as the long-term replacement for Steve Thompson. The 21-year-old stands at 6'1 and weighs in at nearly 18 stone. Consider Hartley forming front row with Andy Sheridan and Matt Stevens now that could be quite something!

Tom Croft (Leicester) - Flanker

Has serious speed for a flanker and only wing Tom Varndell a genuine flyer - is quicker at Leicester. Showed searing pace for a superb solo try in England Saxons Churchill Cup victory over New Zealand Maoris last year. His brace against Harlequins last weekend also caught the eye and earned praise from former England great Dean Richards. Also an accomplished line-out operator. Might be a season too soon for the 22-year-old to make the match 22, but he would only benefit from being involved with the senior squad.

James Haskell (Wasps) - Flanker/number eight

Unfortunate to miss out on the World Cup squad, Haskell has lived in the shadow of club team-mate Lawrence Dallaglio for the past couple of seasons. Indeed, many thought he should have been in France ahead of Dallaglio. But no longer can Ashton ignore the 22-year-old's outstanding pace and power. May not make the starting XV, but could be a dangerous weapon off the bench until he fully establishes himself. Shone on his one cap against Wales last season and considered by many as a future England captain.

Tom Varndell (Leicester) - Wing

With three England caps and England Sevens experience already to his name, 22-year-old Varndell looks ready for another shot at the big time. Recognised as the fastest man in English rugby, his all-round game has improved since he last turned out for England. His work-rate has also increased significantly. Varndell's pace in the final quarter, when defences are tiring, could be lethal. A timely hat-trick against Harlequins last weekend will have helped his cause.

Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester) - Wing

Vainikolo may be in his first season of union, but his power and pace have already marked man him out in the Premiership. The Tongan-born Kiwi scored five tries on his Gloucester debut and could develop into an major attacking weapon for Ashton. Think Jonah Lomu, think Alesani Tuilagi. Has applied for English passport under residency rule and could be available for the Six Nations. League's all-time record try scorer certainly knows where the line is and, at 28, he is young enough to harbour World Cup ambitions.

Riki Flutey (Wasps) - Centre

Like Vainikolo, the 27-year-old New Zealander should soon qualify for England under the residency rule. Flutey has lit up the Premiership in the past few seasons, first with London Irish and now even more so with Wasps. His ability to unlock defenses from inside centre could be just the weapon Ashton has been looking for to launch his backline.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport