While the end of the season is looming large, with plenty of league positions and cup competitions to be decided, in the background is the international scene just on the horizon. In Europe, the qualification for the European Championships reaches the next stage, with the first round of fixtures already played.
For England, it could see them kick on from back-to-back wins over Italy and Ukraine in their opening pair of fixtures that has seen them top the group. Next up for Gareth Southgate's men are Malta and North Macedonia, where another two victories could take them a step closer to Euro 2024.
There are some notable absences from the 25-man squad though, with a mixture of form and injuries playing a large part in some of the choices made. With absences, Chelsea trio Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Reece James all miss out on selection and are unlikely to return in time.
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Conor Gallagher has been given the nod from Southgate, with youngster Levi Colwill joining the under-21s, but an England stalwart in Raheem Sterling has missed out after a difficult season. "I don't know the exact details of the exact details of the conversation between Raheem and Gareth and where that is at all," Chelsea interim boss Frank Lampard said ahead of their game with Manchester United before the England squad was announced on Wednesday.
"All I do know is that Raheem is a top-level player that has played for England for a lot of time. From my personal memories of playing for England for many years, I know sometimes these games at the end of the season are different challenges compared to individuals who have played a lot of games, a lot of minutes.
"So if there's a mutual conversation between the two of them then I'm sure they will find the right outcome - best for England, best for Raheem."
Arsenal have seen a duo of Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka called up to the squad, with Emile Smith Rowe joining the under-21s for their campaign. Ben White, who left the England camp during the World Cup, was not given a return to the squad though, despite his form for the Gunners.
Tottenham have England captain Harry Kane in the ranks as expected, with Eric Dier not reprising his place in the team after a difficult spell. Instead Lewis Dunk was called in his place, while Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze was the second debutant to be given a first call to the squad.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United).
Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), James Maddison (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Newcastle United).
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