Thomas Tuchel will name England's final squad of 2026 on Friday, with the Three Lions preparing for Nations League matches against Croatia at Wembley on November 12 and Spain away on November 15.
While many players are certain to be selected, several tight calls remain. Standard Sport has assessed the definites, likely picks, 50-50 calls and slim hopes.
Certain call-ups
Harry Kane, the Ballon d'Or winner and England captain, is a definite selection ahead of a record-breaking 126th cap. Ezri Konsa, who has impressed since joining Arsenal from Aston Villa, is fast becoming England's best centre-back. Jude Bellingham was outstanding in the last international break and will be central to the side's plans.
Jordan Pickford faces genuine competition for the No1 spot for the first time in his England career but will be included. Elliot Anderson has made an excellent start at Manchester City and is integral in midfield, while Declan Rice returns after missing the last break. Lewis Hall has the chance to cement the left-back role, and Anthony Gordon has reached a new level since joining Barcelona.
James Trafford continues to push Pickford for the goalkeeper role, Morgan Rogers has made a successful start at Chelsea, and Myles Lewis-Skelly is also named among the certain picks.
Likely picks
Jarrad Branthwaite impressed in Everton's win over Newcastle on Monday and could earn another call-up. Dean Henderson is back fit for Crystal Palace and likely to displace Jason Steele as third-choice goalkeeper. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is scoring regularly for Leeds United, and Marc Guehi remains one of the country's best centre-backs despite a difficult season at City.
James Garner is a key midfielder for Everton, while Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha is a player Tuchel admires. Jarell Quansah produced solid performances at right-back last time out, and Eberechi Eze is favoured by the head coach. Nico O'Reilly remains a popular squad member, Jordan Henderson's form should see him included if he recovers from illness, and Noni Madueke will benefit from Bukayo Saka's injury.
50-50 calls
Cole Palmer is a 50-50 call after pulling out of several camps. Ben White's regular right-back appearances for Arsenal could earn him a spot, while Djed Spence was injured last time out. Kobbie Mainoo's situation is unpredictable, and Josh King, who was a training player in the pre-World Cup camp, is shouldering responsibility at Fulham.
Levi Colwill is playing every week for Chelsea and could provide cover at centre-back with Trevoh Chalobah and John Stones injured. Trent Alexander-Arnold may miss out if right-back alternatives emerge.
Slim hope
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has never been capped but is popular with Everton fans. Will Lankshear has 15 goals in 16 games for Middlesbrough in the Championship. Phil Foden scored a hat-trick against AEK Athens but missed the World Cup. Josh Acheampong shows maturity at centre-back for Chelsea, and James Maddison has impressed since returning from injury at Tottenham.
Jason Steele may step aside as third-choice goalkeeper, while Morgan Gibbs-White is not enjoying a fruitful season at Nottingham Forest. Harvey Barnes was recalled in March after six years away, and Dan Burn is now 34. Archie Gray continues to shine at Spurs, Jayden Bogle has impressed at wing-back for Leeds, and Rico Lewis was only called up for cover last time. Adam Wharton has four caps but is not favoured by Tuchel.
