Ashley Young is set to be a shock omission from Gareth Southgate’s squad on Thursday, opening the door for Luke Shaw to make an international return.
Manchester United star Young was England’s first-choice left wing-back during the World Cup but will miss the games against Spain and Switzerland next month.
Shaw is the favourite to replace his club team-mate, though Leicester’s Ben Chilwell is highly-rated by Southgate.
Luke Shaw (left) is expected to replace Ashley Young (front, right) in the latest England squad
Southampton’s Ryan Bertand could also be in contention to replace Young having just missed out on a place in the squad that flew to Russia.
A recall for Shaw, though, would mark quite a turnaround in fortunes for the United defender, who looked to be on his way out of Old Trafford last season.
The left back has been a rare bright spot for United during the club’s difficult opening to the season, and is back on Southgate’s radar.
Sportsmail understands Young has held talks with Southgate about his international future; during which the England manager emphasised his plan to introduce a number of youngsters into his squad.
Manchester United’s Young went to the World Cup as England’s first choice at left wing-back
Young will be 35 by the time Euro 2020 finishes, which casts doubt over his place in Southgate’s long-term plans.
And the former Aston Villa man accepts Southgate’s desire to refresh his squad with youth, though will remain available for selection in the event of any injury crisis.
Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill announced their decisions to take a step back from international football on Tuesday, but will also make themselves available in an emergency.
Sportsmail can also reveal Watford midfielder Will Hughes is in contention due to his performances so far this season.
Jamie Vardy (left) and former captain Gary Cahill have both retired from international football
The FA have requested fitness reports on Hughes and team-mate Nathaniel Chalobah.
Teenagers Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden are also pushing for call-ups, as is Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
It was thought Phil Jones’s injury could open the door to Declan Rice after it was revealed that the West Ham defender, who has Ireland caps, had been approached by the FA. However, it is unlikely because of the time it takes to finalise paperwork.
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland will be sweating on his role as No 2 as he is now playing in the Championship.
Gareth Southgate will name his squad on Thursday for games against Spain and Switzerland
Indeed, Fulham defender Alfie Mawson, who broke into Southgate’s plans last season, has said the England boss advised him to leave Swansea following their relegation.
Mawson said: ‘The last time I spoke to him he said if you want to get back in (the England squad), the Premier League is a must.’
Burnley keeper Nick Pope is injured which means Southgate will be forced to make at least one change to the goalkeepers he took to Russia.
Pope’s club team-mate Tom Heaton is fit again and Southampton’s Alex McCarthy is on Southgate’s radar, while Joe Hart is hoping for a recall.
Alfie Mawson was told that he needed to play in the Premier League to earn an England call-up