One of the most concerning short-term ramifications of the proposed foundation of a European Super League is UEFA and FIFA banding together to suggest that any player who participates could be banned from playing international football.
Naturally, that would be an issue at any point in time, but with a European Championship just around the corner, it could prove to be a huge blow for several top nations in that tournament, should the ban be enforced.
And England would be right there among the sides left decimated.
In Gareth Southgate’s most recent squad, he selected 16 players who represent clubs who have expressed their intention to join a Super League. That figure includes Jesse Lingard, who is on loan at West Ham from parent club Manchester United.
As such, there is a very real possibility that the Three Lions may have to put together a squad of players this summer who are not associated with the so-called ‘Big Six’.
But what would that squad look like, and who would make the cut?
With the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Phil Foden, and countless others at risk of being ruled out – through no fault of their own, might we add – there will be sizeable vacuums that need filling with players from clubs that might otherwise be under-represented by the national side.
We’ve taken a closer look at who Southgate could turn to this summer – click and scroll through the pages below to see our squad.
1. Jordan Pickford of Everton watches the ball hit the net as Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
With Everton outside the 'big 6' these days (despite having won the title a lot more recently than Spurs), Pickford's status as No1 remains intact (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
2. Nick Pope
The Burnley shotstopper has been linked with a move to Spurs in the summer. Hold on til after the Euros, Nick. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
3. Sam Johnstone
The main beneficiary. Comes into the squad with Man United's Dean Henderson ineligible. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Steele
4. Matty Cash
OK, so the one position England lead the world at is right-back. Rule out Tripper, Walker, Alexander-Arnold, James and Wan-Bissaka and we still have Villa star Cash. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill