Wheater was named in Fabio Capello's 30-man squad for next week's friendly with France.

He may not make the final cut for the match but Boateng is confident the England Under-21 international can make the step up and establish himself in the team. And he has told the 21-year-old to set his sights on the next World Cup.

"In a few years' time this boy is going to be England's first-choice at centre-back - if he stays the way he is and develops his game really well," said Boateng.

next stage 

"For us and for him, it is a great achievement and the fact he has already made the squad means, going towards qualification for the World Cup, if you keep playing well you have a good chance of playing a the World Cup.

"That's what he has to look at. The bigger picture is playing maybe not now, but the next international games. The World Cup qualification starts later this year, so that's what he has to look at.

"The fact he has been selected now means the door is open. Can you perform well to go through that door?"

Boro manager Gareth Southgate added: "He thoroughly deserves it. His performances this year have been outstanding, he is maturing all the time and it is the next stage for him.

"But to get into that provisional squad is a great starting point for him. Hopefully, he is involved in the full squad and the experience will be fantastic for him."