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.
5. Tariq Lamptey
There have been a lot of shouts for Lamptey to be included in the England squad but he will face a tough challenge given the quality of our current crop. | Getty Images
6. Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze was so close to earning his first cap last year before he picked up a long-term injury. If the midfielder is able to get back to his best for Crystal Palace then he will definitely be in the frame for a World Cup place. | Getty Images
7. Jacob Ramsey
Jacob Ramsey has been in brilliant form for Aston Villa since the start of the year and if he can continue it for the rest of 2022 then he has a good chance of jumping on the plane. | Getty Images
8. Harvey Elliott
Elliott is a player who could have been fantastic this season if it wasn’t for his long-term injury. The midfielder is back fit now and has the potential to do something special for Liverpool. | Getty Images