The club season might be reaching its climax but international football is just around the corner.
England are preparing to resume their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, as they bid to secure a place at next summer's tournament in Germany. Gareth Southgate's men claimed a crucial 2-1 victory away to top seeds Italy back in March before beating Ukraine at Wembley. Now it's almost time for a trip to Malta prior to hosting North Macedonia at Old Trafford.
But who'll be involved? On Monday, it emerged that Arsenal defender Ben White was under consideration following a chat with Southgate, having left the World Cup camp early after an alleged falling-out with assistant manager Steve Holland. When the squad is named at 2pm on Wednesday, White's return could be one of numerous notable call-ups, while bigger names may be left at home.
Here are seven wildcards who could get the call from Southgate.
Lewis Dunk
What a season it's been for Lewis Dunk. Mr Brighton and Hove Albion, having been with the Seagulls since the age of 11, made his one and only England appearance so far by playing 90 minutes during the 3-0 victory over USA in November 2018. Four-and-a-half years later, Dunk deserves another shot.
The 31-year-old centre-back has been simply outstanding under both Graham Potter and Roberto de Zerbi this term, helping his boyhood club qualify for Europe by playing an attractive brand of football. Elegant on the ball but with the defensive nous to match, Dunk will surely be under consideration amid Harry Maguire 's struggles and John Stones ' rigorous run with Manchester City.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Perhaps the most perplexing omission from the England squad during Gareth Southgate's tenure, Aaron Wan-Bissaka still doesn't have an international cap at senior level. Having represented the Three Lions at the Under-21 Euros in 2019, the Manchester United right-back remains out of Southgate's lengthy list of inclusions, despite a revival under Erik ten Hag.
There were reports in March that Wan-Bissaka, 25, had finally lost his patience with Southgate and wanted to play for DR Congo, who he also represented as a teenager. There's been no announcement, however, and with Kyle Walker also starring for City - who notably play the Champions League final just six days before England face Malta - Wan-Bissaka could finally get the nod.
Rico Lewis
Speaking of right-backs from the Etihad, Rico Lewis has been Walker's deputy during his debut season as part of Pep Guardiola's treble-chasing City side. Also comfortable in midfield, the 18-year-old starlet has been impressive on every occasion and is set to sign a new long-term deal in the coming weeks.
What would make his summer even more special is the prospect of playing for his country, an honour which he's enjoyed at various youth levels such as for the under-21s in March. With rather favourable fixtures for the Three Lions in June, there's arguably no better time than now for Southgate to get a proper look at his talent.
Rico Henry
Staying in defence, regarded England's weakest area, Brentford left-back Rico Henry is another whose name was mentioned ahead of the March round of fixtures. The Walsall youth product didn't let the disappointment of missing out get to him, though, continuing his string of superb displays for Thomas Frank's side, who've confirmed a top-half finish.
Comfortable in a back four of five, Henry would offer Southgate some quality in a position which only Luke Shaw has managed to nail down during his reign. Ben Chilwell is currently the Three Lions' firm second-choice, but the Chelsea star could soon find himself competing for that role with Henry.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Nottingham Forest will be a Premier League club next season and manager Steve Cooper has Morgan Gibbs-White to thank. Signed from Wolves last summer in a deal with could rise to a whopping £42.5million, many had doubts that the former Sheffield United loanee could translate his Championship form to the top tier.
But Gibbs-White has done exactly that, registering three goals and two assists in his last six games to confirm Forest's survival. Cooper worked with him in the England youth setup, so Southgate has a confidant to assure him that the 23-year-old is now ready for the senior squad.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even named Gibbs-White as his Premier League signing of the season, declaring on Monday Night Football : "I wouldn't say he has singled-handedly kept Nottingham Forest in the league but every time I watch him... A big price tag so a lot of eyes on him and I think he's justified that.
"I think he must be really close to the England squad. I really do believe he should be in the next England squad."
Perhaps Southgate will agree.
Eberechi Eze
On the topic of late-season stars, our final two picks are exactly those. Since Roy Hodgson returned to Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze has been a man possessed. With six goals and one assist to his name following the sacking of previous boss Patrick Vieira, the uncapped 24-year-old playmaker has been outshining his contemporaries.
Mason Mount and James Maddison - who could both be axed by Southgate altogether for this round of fixtures - haven't been close to Eze's level of late and that should stand him in good stead. The QPR academy graduate is owed a call-up, too, as on the same day that he was told he'd be part of England's provisional squad for the European Championships in 2021, he ruptured his achilles.
Ollie Watkins
Last but certainly not least, Ollie Watkins is a must-have. Given Marcus Rashford's recent injury issues and Ivan Toney's eight-month ban, there's a vacancy emerging in the forward department.
Watkins, already capped seven times under Southgate, has been on fire for Aston Villa, putting him on 14 Premier League goals and six assists with one game to go. Villa manager Unai Emery has got the best out of him and Southgate will hope to follow suit.
Have your say! Which wildcard deserves an England call-up? Give us your picks in the comments section.
Able to play in various positions but best down the middle, the 27-year-old would be a great alternative to Harry Kane, as is Newcastle striker Callum Wilson. Although his contract with the FA expires in 14 months' time, Southgate needs to start preparing for life without captain and talisman Kane.
Watkins, although only two-and-a-half years younger than the Tottenham striker, looks primed for the next stage of his career, whether that be at Villa Park or elsewhere, as talk of a big-money move simmers. As for next month, though, he should be in Malta and then at Old Trafford.
