Thomas Tuchel is preparing to name his first England squad since the World Cup, with a recall for Cole Palmer among the decisions under consideration ahead of Friday's announcement. The head coach must also decide on the inclusion of Bournemouth's Alex Scott as he begins the process of resetting his plans for the Nations League campaign.
Palmer was a notable absentee from Tuchel's World Cup squad last summer after enduring a difficult spell of form and injury problems. However, the Chelsea forward has enjoyed a strong start to this season, contributing four goals and two assists, which has fuelled speculation that he could earn a return to the fold.
England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup before falling to Argentina, a defeat that drew criticism of the team's performance. That tournament exit has opened up fresh competition for the No 10 role, a position Tuchel filled at the World Cup with Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers, while leaving out Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Palmer.
Gibbs-White, who has impressed for Nottingham Forest this season, is another candidate for inclusion, as is Fulham's Josh King, who was part of England's pre-World Cup training camp in Florida as a young prospect. Scott, who narrowly missed out on World Cup selection despite being part of the same training group, has continued his good form for Bournemouth and remains uncapped at senior level. Tuchel is understood to hold Scott in high regard, and has previously expressed regret at not selecting Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha for the World Cup squad.
With the Nations League campaign set to open in Group A3 against Spain and Croatia, followed by a double-header with Czechia, Tuchel is expected to name an expanded squad. Injuries to several World Cup squad members are likely to force changes, with Dean Henderson, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, John Stones and Jordan Henderson all dealing with fitness issues.
Among those hoping to impress Tuchel are Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Forest forward Liam Delap. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton has yet to fully convince the head coach, while Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea's Levi Colwill remain in contention as central defensive options. Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall could also provide added competition at left-back.
In attacking midfield, uncapped players Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton and Marcus Tavernier of Bournemouth are considered outside contenders for a squad place. Elsewhere, uncertainty continues to surround the international futures of Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has spent more than a year outside the squad, and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, who did not feature at all during the World Cup under Tuchel.
Friday's squad announcement will offer the clearest indication yet of how Tuchel intends to reshape his England side following the World Cup disappointment, with places up for grabs across several positions as he looks to blend experience with emerging talent ahead of the Nations League opener against Spain.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.