Viewers may be forgiven for thinking England's World Cup team is getting even younger when they walk out on to the pitch this summer.

Christopher West, seven, of Hagbourne Primary School in Didcot and Lewis Harding, six, of Cholsey Primary School near Wallingford, will be stepping out on the pitch for England during the World Cup in Germany as player escorts.

The youngsters were joined by England football hero Sir Geoff Hurst to pick up the dream prize after beating more than 50,000 entrants in a McDonald's competition.

They met the 1966 World Cup winner at the chain's Botley Road restaurant in Oxford yesterday.

Lewis Harding, of West End in Cholsey, will escort the players on to the pitch in England's final group game against Sweden.

The youngster, a striker for Cholsey Bluebirds, said he was hoping to meet his hero Wayne Rooney.

Dad John Harding, who will be watching his son from the stand, said: "He's been on the ceiling since he heard. He's been sleeping every night with the letter.

"It will be fantastic to see him walking out onto the pitch with those famous players."

Christopher West, of Queen Elizabeth Close in Didcot, hopes to meet his idol David Beckham when he makes an appearance before the vital clash against Trinidad & Tobago.

He said: "I think I'll say to him 'good luck and go and win'. I think I'll be a little nervous on the day."

Sir Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick for England in the legendary World Cup final of 1966, and so knows what it is like to walk out on to the pitch in front of thousands for an international match.

He said: "For these kids it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don't know who is more excited the children or their parents.

"It's great to represent the country in a major international and for these children it will be absolutely unbelievable."

The former West Ham United and England hero also pledged his support to Oxford United's campaign to gain promotion back into the Football League.

"Football can change very quickly and I wish Oxford United all the best next season. I've been there myself with West Ham United so I know it's possible for a team to bounce back," he said.

"Look at West Ham this season they were relegated from the Premiership, but are now back and in the Uefa Cup and got to an FA Cup final."

New Marston Primary School pupil Martell Osman, of the Northway estate in Headington, Oxford will walk out with England in their opening match against Paraguay.

The nine-year-old was nominated by his sister Atlanta because she said he was so nice to her after she had a heart transplant.