Injury problems in the England squad meant manager Gareth Southgate had the chance to get a look at several fringe players in the latest round of international fixtures.
But while some have furthered their claim to be on the plane to Germany for Euro 2024 this summer, others did not do their chances any favours, especially given the squad will need to be cut down to 23.
Here are the candidates to drop out of the latest squad based on the latest international fixtures and who the alternatives to go instead are.
Lewis Dunk
The Brighton defender was given plenty of opportunity to impress in England’s two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium but failed to prove that he deserves to be one of the back-up central defenders behind John Stones and Harry Maguire.
Dunk’s poor header led to Endrick’s winner in the 1-0 loss to Brazil and he made another error in the 2-2 draw with Belgium, failing to clear the ball and instead gifting it to Romelu Lukaku to pick out Youri Tielemans for their second goal.
He does not look like a reliable option in the middle of defence when it comes to facing the big nations and his spot in the squad looks to be in real jeopardy.
Possible alternatives: Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori, Jarrad Branthwaite, Ezri Konsa
Marcus Rashford
The Manchester United forward received limited game time for England over the international break, playing just 15 minutes off the bench against Brazil.
With competition in the forward and wide areas fierce, Rashford faces a battle to keep his place which last season would have seemed a surprise statement given his performances for the Red Devils. But the 26-year-old has had a disappointing season for United and past performance is not enough alone to warrant a place in a 23-man squad.
Possible alternatives: Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon
Conor Gallagher
Embed from Getty ImagesGallagher has enjoyed a strong season in a poor Chelsea team but his performance from the start against Brazil was underwhelming. His work rate and tenacity in midfield can never be questioned but his quality on the ball was lacking and Kobbie Mainoo’s fine display against Belgium has put Gallagher at risk of losing his place.
He would still be a good option to have in the squad but is certainly not assured of a spot and his form between now and the end of the season will be key.
Possible alternatives: Kobbie Mainoo, Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson
Ollie Watkins
Embed from Getty ImagesOn Premier League form alone, Watkins absolutely deserves to be in the squad of 23. But with places tight and huge competition in the attacking areas, Southgate will have some tough decisions to make.
The 28-year-old has scored 16 times and assisted 10 goals in the Premier League this season, an outstanding effort, but given the opportunity with Harry Kane out injured from the start against Brazil he failed to have any meaningful impact on the game.
Ivan Toney made better of the opportunity he received to start against Belgium and it could be a straight competition between the two for one place in the final squad.
Possible alternatives: Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke
Jarrad Branthwaite
The Everton defender has impressed under Sean Dyche this season but was not given an opportunity to play by Southgate, meaning his spot could be vulnerable if Marc Guehi gets back fit and playing to the level he has shown before. Ezri Konsa also performed admirably given his opportunity and has the versatility to play right-back too.
Possible alternatives: Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori, Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk
Cole Palmer
Another player who was not given an opportunity to play by Southgate against either Brazil or Belgium, despite his fantastic form for Chelsea this season. It is hard to argue that he does not deserve to go based on his Premier League performances but with Jarrod Bowen impressing for the Three Lions, he looks to be behind him in the pecking order.
Possible alternatives: Jarrod Bowen
Jordan Henderson
Did not play over the international break due to injury. Could be at risk of dropping out due to Mainoo’s emergence.
Possible alternatives: Kobbie Mainoo, Conor Gallagher, Kalvin Phillips
Sam Johnstone
Looks set to miss Euro 2024 after picking up an injury while on international duty.
Possible alternatives: James Trafford, Jack Butland, Dean Henderson
