Host of young contenders for England places

Following a successful World Cup campaign in Russia this past summer, where he took the least experienced side of the tournament to a semi-final finish, Gareth Southgate is looking to rejuvenate his squad for the upcoming Nations League ties against Croatia and Spain this month. There is a host of young talented players vying for the chance to make their full international debuts, with the squad announcement due this Thursday. 

Here we take a look at some of those young players in contention for a call-up...

james Maddison, 21, Leicester City

After having made the step up to the Premier League with Leicester City this summer, Jame Maddison looks at home among elite players in England's top division. A ball-playing central midfielder that Gareth Southgate's team badly missed during the World Cup this summer, Maddison is a sure bet to earn a senior call-up after numerous impressive displays for his club side so far this season, which have seen him score three goals and notch two assists in seven appearances.

Mason Mount, 19. Derby County

Considered as one of the gems of Chelsea's academy, current Derby County loanee Mason Mount is another central midfielder Southgate will consider calling upon this month. After lighting up the Championship for the 'Rams' so far this season, as well as playing a starring role in their League Cup defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford, Mount is certainly trying his best to rapidly enhance his growing reputation. Mount picked up the Player of the Tournament prize during England U19s successful European Championship winning campaign in 2017, and as such, Gareth Southgate will know that the youngster has what it takes to perform on the senior international stage.

Jadon Sancho, 18, Borussia Dortmund

Sancho made a bold statement last summer when he swapped Premier League champions Manchester City for the more humble surroundings of the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. However, given his new reputation as the club's super-sub this term, Sancho will feel justified in his decision to move away in search of regular first team football. So far the youngster has scored one goal and notched five assists in only 125 minutes played, and has cemented his status as one of England's most exciting prospects in the process. Sancho was one of the star men in England's U17s European Championship triumph, as well as helping the team progress out of the World Cup group stages later that year, only to have to return to Dortmund for pre-season training. The only concern for Gareth Southgate is that the young winger has been limited to a substitute role in Germany as of yet, however a senior international debut could help Sancho push on to the next level this season.

Ryan Sessegnon, 18, Fulham

Without doubt, Sessegnon is firmly on Gareth Southgate's radar following a break-out season with the Fulham in the championship last season. Although there is already tough competition in the left-back position for England; the recently revived Luke Shaw and Danny Rose are battling for the starting berth, yet Sessegnon offers the possibility of playing further up the left hand side of the pitch. Despite his tender years, Sessegnon already has vast amounts of first team experience, making 48 starts in the championship last season (including play-off games); in which he scored 16 goals as well as recording the only assist in the Play Off final which saw his side promoted to the Premier League.

Harry Winks, 22, Tottenham

If it weren't for a long-term ankle injury, we could well be talking about Harry Winks being a first team regular in Gareth Southgate's England side, alongside Tottenham teammates Dele Alli and Eric Dier. However, after making his senior England debut against Lithuania in October last year in a Man of the Match performance, followed by an impressive Champions League performance against Real Madrid at Wembley, Winks' season came to a premature end in February. Now having returned to full fitness, Winks could once again be included in the senior set up by Gareth Southgate, who is still searching for a creative and dynamic man in the middle of the pitch.

Phil Foden, 18, Manchester City

There have been loud calls for young creative midfielder Foden to be included in the next senior England squad, as after receiving endless amounts of praise from club manager Pep Guardiola, Foden is playing his second full season as a full member of the Premier League champions squad. Having been the star player for the World Cup winning England U17 side this summer, and receiving the Golden Ball award for Player of the tournament, Foden has more than proved his quality in recent years. However one concern for Gareth Southgate will be the lack of clear first team opportunities for the young mancunian, as in such a star-studded club team, Foden is unlikely to regularly displace senior players such as Spanish World Cup winner David Silva, Ilkay Gudogan or Bernardo Silva. Therefore, in spite of scoring his first goal for his boyhood club in the Carabao cup last week, Foden may have to wait a little longer for his chance in the senior England side.