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In recent years, England have grown in stature under Gareth Southgate and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. After their impressive fourth-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the Three Lions also made their presence felt in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League, a competition that was eventually won by European champions Portugal.
England boast some of the biggest talents in world football, with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson producing the goods over the years. In the past 12 months, younger players such as Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho have burst onto the scene, while a handful of other talents have also shown glimpses of their potential.
However, England still have a plethora of talented footballers who are yet to receive a senior cap under Southgate, and here are five such players who could be handed call-ups soon.
#5 Dwight McNeil | Burnley
Dwight McNeil is already a household name in the Premier League despite being just 21 years of age, and a lot of his early success can be credited to Burnley manager Sean Dyche. The young winger has a wand of a left foot in him and has impressed with his energy and crossing ability for the Clarets, having already made a staggering 74 Premier League appearances for the club since his debut in 2018.
The Manchester United academy graduate has shown that he more than belongs in the top division and is sure to be called up by Southgate in the coming years if his career continues in this trajectory.
#4 Ezri Konsa | Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa has managed to become an indispensable member of the current Aston Villa squad under Dean Smith. The Villans are punching above their weight in the Premier League and have Konsa to thank for their defensive solidity, with the young Englishman forming an impressive central defensive partnership with compatriot Tyrone Mings.
The former Charlton Athletic man has been one of the most underrated performers of the current campaign for Aston Villa, with club captain Jack Grealish taking most of the plaudits for his eye-catching displays. Harry Maguire aside, England do not have too many reliable central defenders, so it could be a matter of time before Konsa comes under consideration for a national team call up.
#3 Curtis Jones | Liverpool
Curtis Jones has been one of the few bright sparks of Liverpool's faltering Premier League campaign so far. The Reds have been ravaged by injuries this season and find themselves three points behind league leaders Manchester United, as they prepare to host Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side at Anfield on Sunday.
With the likes of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and new signing Thiago Alcantara struggling with fitness issues this season, Jones has seen more game time than he'd have expected. The young Englishman has taken the opportunity with both hands and delivered a string of top-class performances, most notably in the 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in December.
The boyhood Scouser is already a first-team star at Liverpool and could well receive his national team call-up this year.
#2 Tariq Lamptey | Brighton & Hove Albion
Tariq Lamptey's decision to move to Brighton & Hove Albion in search of regular game time has already paid dividends. The diminutive right-back is one of the most exciting players in his position in the Premier League and has impressed with his pace, energy and crossing ability for the Seagulls.
Having left Chelsea for greener pastures last year, Lamptey has developed tremendously under Graham Potter and looks set to be a key player for the club in the coming years. England are blessed with some of the best right-backs in world football, but Lamptey has enough quality to force his way into Southgate's plans.
#1 Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Manchester United
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a reliable performer for Manchester United since his £50 million move to Old Trafford from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019. Known for his defensive ability and slide tackles, the Englishman was called up by Southgate for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers, However, he didn't make his Three Lions debut, as he withdrew from the squad prematurely due to an injury.
The 23-year-old has a limited skill-set, but he is still amongst the best players in his position and is sure to receive his first cap for England later in the year.
