The case for the defence: Which defenders could make England's World Cup squad?

It is likely that England will take five central defnders to the World Cup next summer and whilst John Stones and Gary Cahill are all but guaranteed a place in the squad (injuries permitting), the other three places are more up for debate. 

We take a look at the runners and riders for the remaining spots.

Chris Smalling - Manchester United

Smalling has the second-highest number of caps for England in defence after Gary Cahill, but having dropped out of favour at Manchester United in recent times, his World Cup chances are now at risk. The former Fulham man has started just one league game so far this season and could drop down the pecking order even further at Old Trafford when Victor Lindelof gets 'up to speed'. The 27-year-old has made just 13 starts since the beginning of last season, making an inclusion difficult to justify from Southgate's point of view.

Phil Jones - Manchester United

Jones has enjoyed something of a renaissance under Jose Mourinho, finally becoming the accomplished defender he always threatened to be. The former Blackburn man has seen off the big-money arrival of victor Lindelof to establish himself as part of United's first-choice defensive pairing and given that he has started both of England's last two games, he looks set for a place on the plane as things stand.

Jamaal Lascelles - Newcastle United

Something of a surprise inclusion in the list but his recent form has been enough to see him nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award and it is enough to be included in this list as well. The 23-year-old is the Premier League's youngest captain but he has impressed with a series of mature, commanding displays at the heart of defence for Rafa Benitez's side. Interestingly, Lascelles' tally of five goals in the last 12 months is the most of any player on this list, though at this point in time he is still likely to miss out on the World Cup. There is plenty of time for that to change though.

Alfie Mawson - Swansea City

Mawson was one of the stand-out performers in the Premier League last season, earning his first England U21 caps as a result. Whilst a move to the senior side would be a huge step, the 23-year-old has made no secret of his desire to captain the 'Three Lions' and regular Premier League football will do his chances no harm at all.

Michael Keane - Everton

Keane's big-money move to Everton hasn't exactly gone to plan so far, given his new side's struggles, something which could put his place in the squad at risk. The 24-year-old has two England caps to his name and is a part of the most recent squad, though he appears to be occupying the fifth spot at centre-back, meaning that he is at risk of missing out if other players up their game between now and next summer. Nevertheless, with regular football appearing a given, he should do enough to make the trip.

Rob Holding - Arsenal

As the man on this list with the least starts in the last 12 months he has to go down as something of a wildcard and whilst he did impress in spells at the heart of the Arsenal defence last season he will be hard-pushed to force his way ahead of some of the other names on this list.

Ben Gibson - Middlesbrough

The only naturally left-sided defender in the mix, but is likely to miss out due to his loyalty to his hometown club. Gibson enjoyed a superb debut Premier League season on a personal level last season but Middlesbrough were relegated nonetheless and Gibson is unlikely to force his way into the reckoning from the second division, despite Southgate's affinity for the Teessiders.

Harry Maguire - Leicester City

Another player who earned a big-money summer move, Maguire is certainly in the FA's thinking. Maguire impressed as Hull battles against relegation last season and tops the rankings for tackles and interceptions per 90mins since the start of last season. Once again though, he is likely to be edged out by some of the bigger names on this list.