England have all but secured their place in the last eight of the Nations League next March, but they can still finish first in their group and earn top-seed status for the quarter-finals. Thomas Tuchel's side will face Croatia at home and Spain away next Thursday and Sunday respectively.
Given the strength of the opposition and what is at stake, Tuchel is expected to name a strong squad on Friday. However, there is still room for some wildcards to earn debuts or make a long-awaited return to the England setup.
Midfield and defensive contenders
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has enjoyed a good start to the season with Everton and is deserving of a call-up after coming close last time out. The midfielder may be 28, but it feels like his career is only just hitting its stride. Dewsbury-Hall is eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, although he has made it clear that his 'dream' is to play for the Three Lions.
Lewis Dunk, captain of the Premier League's high flyers, has only six England caps, the last of which came in June 2024 before he was cut by Gareth Southgate ahead of the European Championship. The Brighton defender has been outstanding this term, helping the Seagulls to wins against Aston Villa and Manchester City while keeping clean sheets. At 34, age is not on his side, but given England's lack of quality centre-back options, Tuchel might be inclined to reward Dunk for his form.
Full-back and wing options
James Justin has emerged as a right-back option with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier retired, Reece James injured until around January and Trent Alexander-Arnold third-choice at Real Madrid. The Leeds man has been solid defensively and a threat going forward as a right-sided centre-back, combining well with Jayden Bogle, who has also been tipped for a call-up. Although Leeds have not won any of their last five games, Justin has been a bright spark, with his performance against Manchester United particularly standing out.
Marcus Tavernier is going through a purple patch as Bournemouth enjoy an upturn in form. The 27-year-old has scored in victories over Sunderland, AC Milan and Manchester United, boosting his goal tally to six for the season. Tavernier represented England at youth level but has not had a sniff in the senior squad. The left-footed winger faces stiff competition, but no one can argue with his form.
Young prospects in the mix
Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong is making a name for himself at Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso has taken a liking to the 20-year-old and started him in every game since the international break when he played for England under-21s. "I saw he did well with the Under-21s; I know he didn't play the last game but he has done well," Alonso hailed last month. "He has taken a step forward. He is playing more maturely and more aggressively, and is knowing what it takes to compete in the Premier League. He is on that journey as he has great potential and great qualities. He has played and he will play again." Acheampong's ability to play as both a right-back and centre-back makes him an alternative to Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah in the current squad.
Will Lankshear would be a real wildcard as a Championship player in the England squad. With 15 goals to his name since joining Middlesbrough from Tottenham in a deal worth up to £20million in July, he has put himself in the conversation to be Harry Kane's long-term successor. Lankshear scored one goal in six appearances for Spurs and has a desire to return to the Premier League quickly, with Boro currently top of the table after 13 games. The former West Bromwich Albion and Oxford United loanee is another prospect who played under Carsley last month and will likely stay at U21 level for now. Lankshear notably missed Boro's shock 2-0 defeat to Wrexham because of injury, but it is not serious.
