MY ACCOUNT
Qatar is in sight and the battle to make England’s World Cup squad is fiercer than ever.
Boss Gareth Southgate already has impressive options at his disposal but there are several uncapped players staking a claim to gatecrash the party before next year’s showpiece.
We pick out five uncapped players pushing to make their bow for the Three Lions.
Aaron Ramsdale
Despite being part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, Aaron Ramsdale is still waiting to make his senior debut.
The 23-year-old Arsenal star has been one of the standout keepers in the Premier League this season.
And he has been tipped as the leading contender to potentially displace current No1 Jordan Pickford between the sticks for England.
Speaking last month, Southgate said: “I think there’s a fight on. We’ve got competition for places and we need competition for places in every position.
“Aaron and Sam [Johnstone] are definitely providing that to Jordan.”
While Pickford’s England form has been consistent, Ramsdale could well get his chance to impress against Albania or San Marino.
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe has taken a step closer to his international debut after being drafted into the latest squad to cover the withdrawals of Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse.
The 21-year-old Arsenal ace has impressed this season and international recognition was just reward for his fine club form.
Jamie Carragher recently described Smith Rowe as “the best player I’ve seen running with the ball” and it is easy to see why he has made that big claim.
The Croydon-born midfielder shows age beyond his years as he takes the ball under pressure and carries it forward — no doubt attributes Southgate likes.
Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Phil Foden are Smith Rowe’s obvious competitors for a starting place, so he has his work cut out to force his way into the XI.
Conor Gallagher
Undoubtedly one of the star performers of the season so far, Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher can do no wrong at Crystal Palace.
The all-action midfielder, 21, has played his part in helping a new-look Eagles side impress under Patrick Vieira.
Gallagher netted in the 2-0 victory at Manchester City last month to take his tally to four goals and two assists since switching to Selhurst Park.
He has also excelled as a ball winner, gaining the second-most possessions (38) in the middle third for his side this term.
Already capped at Under-21 level, Gallagher looks as well placed as anyone to break through.
Marc Guehi
Another exciting component of Palace’s side is defender Marc Guehi, who has made an instant impact in South London.
Guehi, 21, sealed a permanent move to Selhurst Park from Chelsea in the summer and was immediately put into the team to partner fellow newbie Joachim Andersen.
He has repaid Vieira’s faith by becoming a commanding presence at the back.
Already the captain of the U-21s, Guehi clearly possesses the leadership traits Southgate will want his centre-backs to have in the high-pressure environment of a World Cup.
Vieira recently backed his man to make the step up to senior level. He said: “He really wants to fulfil his potential and his work ethic and concentration is really good.
“This is why I believe he has the attributes to be one day an international player.”
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham’s season has been the stuff of dreams so far and many of their thriving stars are earning plaudits everywhere they turn.
Jarrod Bowen has been somewhat of an unsung hero during his time with the Hammers but is beginning to receive the recognition his performances deserve.
The former Hull man claimed two assists in the 3-2 win over Liverpool last weekend and is currently one of the Premier League’s top performers in wide areas.
And if the decision was down to Irons team-mate Pablo Fornals, 24-year-old Bowen would be with the Three Lions right now.
The Spaniard said: “Jarrod is trying to score every game and is playing a massive part for West Ham.
“Why won’t England make a call for him soon? He deserves it just the same, or more, than [some of the] players who are going.
“I think if he keeps playing at this level, 100% he will get his chance.”
