Albion's young stars have been urged to grab the chance to progress into the England team under Roy Hodgson.

Alan Cork, part of Hodgson’s scouting team, says Solly March and Jake Forster should seize the opportunity to shine after finishing the season playing for Gareth Southgate’s England under-21s.

England’s failed World Cup campaign is expected to signal the end of the international careers of veteran midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Hodgson took a squad to Brazil laced with young talent and Cork believes Forster-Caskey and March are ideally placed to press their claims in the build-up to the 2016 European Championships in France and 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The former Albion assistant told The Argus: “It’s great for the kids. The thing about Roy is he has always put kids in.

“If I was a young lad now like Solly or Jake I’d be trying like mad to impress Gareth Southgate and get into the squad.

“Once you start getting into the main team you never know. Two or three good reports from games and you are on the screen.

“You’ve got the Europeans coming in two years time. Every position is up for grabs, the goalkeeper, everything.

“If it was me now I’d be thinking ‘Crikey, one good season and I’m in the England team’. Anyone Championship upwards really has got a chance if you are a young, talented kid.

“There is always a turning point when it’s time for the older players to go.

“Gerrard is an excellent Premier League player but it’s probably time to step aside on the international stage.

“Lampard’s obviously going to go, so it will be interesting. The average age is probably 25 now and it will come right down.”