England fans aren't exactly feeling optimistic ahead of this year's World Cup in Russia.

After the Three Lions' last two tournaments ended in bitter disappointment, expectations are lower than ever as Gareth Southgate shuffles towards his biggest managerial test yet.

Moreover, the squad England field in Russia could be one of the youngest to ever appear at the World Cup with the likes of Dele Alli, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all in with a chance.

It's no easy task forecasting the career of young stars and it's especially the case in the Premier League where accumulating enough game-time to make the England squad is far from simple.

Nevertheless, the Daily Mail tried their hand at predicting back in 2013 when they drew up 15 players they considered the future of the Three Lions.

It begs the question, five years on, just how many actually made the cut?

The UK newspaper didn't disgrace themselves in what now looks a mixed bag of choices, with some making it at top clubs and others fading into obscurity. Take a look at where they are now:

George Green

Touted as the next Paul Gascoigne back in 2013, Green made little of his professional contract at Everton and left two years later. His career has nosedived since with a recent cameo at the Class of 92's Salford City as he now takes residence at Wilsden & Thornton Bantams.

Jerome Sinclair

Currently on loan from Watford at Birmingham City after making just five first-team appearances during his time with Liverpool. Failed to live up to his status as the 'new Raheem Sterling.'

Jordan Rossiter

Another player cut by Liverpool after failing to break into the first-team. Rossiter now takes residence at Rangers where he continues to struggle for time on the pitch, he's made just 4 appearances this season.

John Lundstrum

The 23-year-old turned his back on Everton in 2015 before his career descended into a series of loans at the likes of Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe United. Now at Sheffield United.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Finally a player who actually made it to the England first-team. Loftus-Cheek has been given his first big chance away from parent club Chelsea and has thoroughly impressed with Crystal Palace.

Luke Shaw

The Daily Mail nailed this selection, too, even if his Manchester United career has stalled since his 2015 leg break and the arrival of Jose Mourinho. 

Will Hughes

Arguably took one of the wiser career decisions of the 15 players in persisting with his development across six seasons with Derby County. He now has his chance to catch Southgate's eye in the Premier League with Watford

Nathaniel Chalobah

Another prospect taking up residence at Vicarage Road, Chalobah has fulfilled the Mail's prediction of making the England team but remains a long way from the starting XI.

Jack Grealish

Rewind three years and this would have been lauded as a brilliant decision. Grealish is still ticking over at Aston Villa yet has drifted into obscurity since the Villan's relegation to the Championship.

Diego De Girolamo

Well, this is awkward. One of the more ambitious selections in the pack made his name at Sheffield United before a doomed second chance with Bristol City directed him to League Two football.

Diego Poyet

Poyet certainly won't be in England's future because, well, he isn't technically English. The 22-year-old has since switched his allegiances to Uruguay and now finds himself playing in Cyprus after a forgettable spell with West Ham.

Izzy Brown

There's still quiet hope around this extremely premature forecast from the Mail. Brown is still with parent club Chelsea and will be hoping to impress on loan with Brighton to take his career to the next level.

Which youngsters do you think are the future of England? Have your say in the comments section below.