England manager Gareth Southgate handed surprise first call-ups to Jadon Sancho, James Maddison and Mason Mount for the Nations League double-header against Croatia and Spain later this month.
Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is back in the squad after recovering from a long-term knee injury, while Harry Winks and Ross Barkley will also be involved again.
Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the players hoping for a chance to make the most of their unexpected opportunity with the Three Lions.
Jadon Sancho
Important 3 Points tonight, boys were on fire today 🔥 unbeaten run continues 🤪happy to get another assist! #JS7 pic.twitter.com/vPUgqLBaQ4
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) October 3, 2018
The 18-year-old former Manchester City youth team player has proved a big hit following his move to Borussia Dortmund. Sancho, rated as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, has been rewarded with a new deal from the Bundesliga club – and helped create a goal in the midweek Champions League win over Monaco.
James Maddison
#lcfc's James Maddison has been named in Gareth Southgate’s senior @England squad for the first time 🦊🏴
Congratulations, @Madders10! 👏
— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 4, 2018
England Under-21 midfielder Maddison has impressed for Leicester in his debut Premier League campaign following a £24million summer move from Norwich. The former Coventry trainee has hit three goals so far and provided two assists to put himself in the senior England picture.
Mason Mount
Southgate had been keeping a close eye on the progress of England Under-21 midfielder Mount, the 19-year-old on loan at Sky Bet Championship side Derby from Chelsea. Mount, with five goals, has been a regular starter for Frank Lampard’s men.
Ross Barkley
Midfielder Barkley has found himself back in the picture at Chelsea under Maurizio Sarri, having started the Community Shield against Manchester City. The 24-year-old is in contention to earn a first England cap since the friendly against Australia in May 2016.
Nathaniel Chalobah
…so happy to be back out there and even happier with the result yesterday. The smile says it all. Come on @WatfordFC #thankyoualways pic.twitter.com/qnxjmW6eGg
— Nathaniel Chalobah (@chalobah) September 3, 2018
Hornets midfielder Chalobah could well have earned a first senior England appearance already but for a serious knee injury which sidelined him for most of last season. Chalobah has been eased back into first-team action by Watford, but did start both Carabao Cup ties.
Harry Winks
Tottenham midfielder Winks will be looking to add to his one cap so far, which came in the final 2018 World Cup qualifier away against Lithuania during October 2017. The 22-year-old has made eight appearances for Spurs this season – the last one coming up against Barcelona star Lionel Messi in the 4-2 Champions League defeat at Wembley on Wednesday night.
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