The two 12-year-olds fidgeted side by side at Wembley and watched Liverpool beaten 4-3 by Leeds in the 1992 Charity Shield.

One of them, Michael Owen, later became a goalscoring sensation for his country.The other, Anfield best pal Steven Gerrard, is to begin his full international career against Ukraine.

As another 20-year-old is conscripted into the England side, it is further refreshing proof that, under Kevin Keegan, if a player is good enough he will surely be given his chance irrespective of youth.

Previous England managers have often been criticised for keeping youngsters waiting. Two years ago, Glenn Hoddle held Owen back for the first two World Cup-ties, preferring the experience of Teddy Sheringham.

It wasn't until late in the opening tie against Tunisia that Owen got his chance as a substitute.Then, against Romania, he came off the bench to score, and hit a post. Perhaps Keegan remembered how Owen went on to become a national hero with that marvellous goal against Argentina.

Gerrard will get the same chance. But for injury, in fact, the 6ft 1in midfielder, whose strengths are ball-winning and distribution, would have played against Argentina in February and Brazil last weekend.

Had he not suffered growing pains as a teenager, his progress might have been as rapid as Owen's. Gerrard suffered for two years, from 14 to 16, with a quick growth spurt when his body was not strong enough to withstand the change in his physique.

He has come through that now, just as Owen appears to have conquered the niggling doubts about persistent hamstring problems. Gerrard becomes the latest on a conveyor belt of young talent that includes Owen, Richard Wright, Gareth Barry and Joe Cole.

Gerrard was selected on his 20th birthday yesterday, and Keegan said: 'I'd think it's the best birthday present you could give anybody. He could return the favour with a good performance and we can eat the cake between us after that.

'I want to start him off in what everyone tells me is his best position, midfield. Whenever I've watched him he's been outstanding - whether it be right back, or right wing back or wherever.

'He's an exceptional talent. It's said he's very confident, but that comes from a belief in his ability.'

It has been a remarkable year for Gerrard, who spent his previous birthday on holiday with his family in Cyprus. He still lives at home in Liverpool, with dad Paul, a labourer, and mum Julie.

He fondly remembers that previous Wembley day and said: 'I'd always wanted to play there as a kid, and I went there with Michael for the Charity Shield.

'We've been close since we were 10 and 11-year-olds. Michael's a good role model for me, the way he handles all the success. I hope to achieve what he has.'

Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool only 16 months ago, but such has been his progress that he made the England Under 21s last September and quickly came to Keegan's attention.

He said: 'If anybody had asked me on Monday what I wanted for my birthday it would have been an England cap.'

Now a new pair of trainers will be on his wish list. When the rest of the England squad learned it was his birthday on Tuesday they broke into his room, and filled his trainers with toothpaste. 'I'm trying to find out who was responsible' he said.

'More than that, I was surprised to discover that kind of team spirit in the camp, it was so much more relaxed than I expected.'