or Mitchell Johnson leading the bowling attack
But yes, I am not one of these who thinks it's all rosy in England's Cricketing future. I'm still waiting for Swann/Monty replacements. Where is the next Anderson? Flintoff?. We seem to have no one currently up to test standard for opening or at 3.
Yes Root may become that but then who's going to take over from KP. Bairstow I like but still to be convinced that he's got the talent long term.
As for England Lions. I'd say the problem is that with the systems they have in place to produce talent. For every Root/Taylor/Bairstow you'll get 5 or 6 big heads coming though who have talent but think 'I've cracked it'. it seems coles etc are just some. Sack them off and kick them in the guts, leave them to rot for a few years in county cricket. Petulant over paid children.