Robinson: 'Handling was brilliant,' says Mancini (RossKinnaird/Allsport)

'If there is one player who has caught Sven's eye it is Robinson,' said Mancini, who resigned from his coaching job in Rome after Eriksson's exit this week.

'He came here with Leeds in the Champions League and was outstanding. The whole Leeds defence played well, but he did not make one mistake,' he added.

'His handling was brilliant, he read crosses well and looked to be very safe with shots.

'When we were told how young he was, we could hardly believe it,' said Mancini of the Leeds keeper's performance in a 1-0 Olympic Stadium victory that accelerated Eriksson's departure.

Robinson, who is 21, has received universal praise for his performances during Nigel Martyn's absence through injury this season.

His rise has coincided with a minor crisis for England goalkeeping, with David Seaman - now 37 - increasingly susceptible to loss of form and injury while Martyn, his understudy in recent seasons, has been struck down by groin problems at the age of 34.

David James is a relatively youthful 31 but, although recalled for England's friendly against Italy in November, the Aston Villa stopper's career has been blighted by much-chronicled blunders on the big stage.

Of the younger England crop, Manchester City's Nicky Weaver has struggled along with his side's defence after their promotion to the Premiership.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town's Richard Wright was a non-playing member of Kevin Keegan's Euro 2000 squad, but failed to impress on his full international debut in conceding two penalties - saving one - against Malta in a pre-tournament friendly.

Such is Robinson's progress that Martyn's anticipated return to fitness will leave Elland Road boss David O'Leary with an enviable selection problem.

The Irishman's decision will have a considerable bearing on the immediate international future of Robinson, who is one of five England players that particularly excite the new England coach, according to Mancini.

Not surprisingly, Manchester United pair David Beckham and Paul Scholes are also much admired by Eriksson, as is Liverpool's in-form striker Emile Heskey.

And Newcastle's Kieron Dyer is the final name on Mancini's all-star list.

'Sven knows all about Beckham,' said the former Italian international.

'The fact that he will be fundamental to his plans for the future is a statement of the obvious.

'He is really looking forward to working with Paul Scholes, who Sven thinks is an absolutely fantastic player.

'Heskey has also made a big impression, while he also likes Kieron Dyer.