Roy Hodgson had no concerns about putting England’s World Cup hopes in the hands of a youthful squad.
The manager’s 23-man squad for Brazil includes 20-year-old Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, along with teenagers Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw.
Michael Carrick, Andy Carroll and Kyle Walker were all left out, the former the victim of a poor season for Manchester United. Carroll has had an injury-spoiled season, while Walker misses out due to a pelvic injury.
Carrick and Carroll are both on the standby list.
Shaw was selected ahead of Ashley Cole, who retired from international football on Sunday night after being told he had not made the squad.
Southampton’s Rickie Lambert, who has scored 14 goals this season, got the nod ahead of Carroll.
Wayne Rooney will be the leading attacker, with Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck also in.
Frank Lampard, 35, made the cut, while Arsenal duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere were included, despite their recent injury concerns, alongside Adam Lallana and James Milner.
There are no surprises in defence. Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are Hodgson’s four centre-halves. Leighton Baines is the first-choice left back and Glen Johnson the only recognised right back. Hodgson selects Celtic’s Fraser Forster as third goalkeeper behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster.
John Stones and Jon Flanagan are named on the standby list alongside Tom Cleverley and Jermain Defoe.
On the inexperienced look to his squad, Hodgson said: “You get experience by getting the opportunity.
“I think they’ve played so well and been so effective in their club teams that they’ve really imposed their ability on my thinking.”