With England’s first international friendlies in nine months approaching, Gareth Southgate is preparing to use the time with the national team to test out the youth players who have broken onto the scene in recent seasons.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher will all be handed the opportunity to impress the England boss as they look to make their way into his plans for the 2022 World Cup.
However, missing out on the current squad doesn’t mean you won’t be on the plane to Qatar in eight months.
There are a large number of young prospects who have shone for their clubs this season and will be hoping to continue it for the remainder of the year, while Southgate prepares to pick the squad that will look to bring home the World Cup.
Here are nine English youngsters that could break into the senior team ahead of November’s tournament.
1. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
The midfielder has impressed for Leicester this season and certainly has a chance at catching Southgate’s eye between now and the World Cup.
2. Oliver Skipp
Oliver Skipp was becoming a first team regular for Tottenham until he picked up an injury in January. The midfielder is set to return after the international break and if he can impress for the remainder of 2022 then he could potentially force his way into the senior side.
3. Luke Thomas - Leicester
Luke Thomas has established himself as a solid member of Leicester’s squad and, with Luke Shaw’s poor form and Ben Chilwell’s injury, there is certainly a left-back spot up for grabs.
4. Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah is probably already pretty close to getting a call-up to the England squad given the poor defensive choices Southgate has at the moment.