England's squad for their upcoming friendlies with Holland and Italy doesn't exactly compare to that of the Beckham-Gerrard-Lampard era. Nevertheless, England will still head optimistically into the World Cup. Here's an XI of some of the key names that are unlikely to be on Gareth Southgate's shortlist in the summer.
GK: Ben Foster
Once tipped to be England's sure bet No. 1, Ben Foster has gone down with the West Brom ship this season. Whilst only partly responsible for the 49 goals the Baggies have leaked in the Premier League, Foster's reputation has suffered.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Having played for England at all youth levels from U16, Alexander-Arnold is still waiting for his first senior team call-up. He's yet to show he's up to the challenge after getting turned inside-out and back again by Marcus Rashford on derby day.
CB: Lewis Dunk
Brighton through and through, Lewis Dunk is your quintessential English centre-back. With a no-nonsense attitude to tackling and a formidable aerial presence, Dunk would throw himself at a moving bus if it meant stopping a goal.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles has earned two caps at U21 level but is yet to break into the first team. The Magpies man loves a headed goal and would gladly nod England through to the finals in Russia, provided Harry Kane isn't on corners...
LB: Luke Shaw
Instead of playing left-back at Old Trafford this season, Shaw has occupied the role of Mourinho's scape-goat. Victimised, the ex-Southampton player is running low on confidence and hasn't been offered the game-time to recharge his talent.
RM: James Ward-Prowse
Reminiscent of the legendary David Beckham, Ward-Prowse is undoubtedly the best set-piece taker England have seen in the last decade. As against Greece in 2001, should England find themselves trailing with a free-kick in the dying minutes, the Saints midfielder is the man you'll want stood over it.
CM: Jack Cork
Cork has been a core member of Burnley's solid league campaign this year. Due to his discrete but effective style of play, Cork has only managed to get a negligible eight England minutes under his belt.
CM: Danny Drinkwater
Despite being a leading figure in 'that' Leicester team that historically won the Premier League in the 2015-2016 season, Drinkwater has blended into the scenery at Chelsea and struggled to get the game-time to show his worth.
LM: Demarai Gray
Leicester's zippy winger is treacherous down the flanks. Unfortunately for him, so are Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford who made Southgate's latest shortlist.
ST: Glen Murray
Having missed just one of his last nine penalties, Murray's the guy you want in your side should England be faced with the dreaded spot-kicks. The Seagulls' striker has been one of the most clinical in the league this season but is often overshadowed by Harry Kane.
ST: Peter Crouch
He may not have the pace or the nimble footwork of Southgate's youngsters, but one thing the Stoke striker does have is experience. Crouchy's CV reads 'World Cup 2006, World Cup 2010,' and now many supporters are longing to see the mythic robot return to this year's edition.