Thomas Tuchel will name his squad on Friday for England's four UEFA Nations League fixtures during the extended three-week international window.
England take on Spain at Wembley Stadium, their first fixture since the agonising World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta, before facing Czechia in Prague, Croatia in Rijeka and returning to Wembley to oppose Czechia once more.
Tuchel's 26-man squad for the World Cup in the summer raised plenty of eyebrows and there is some intrigue as to how the German will approach selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
We've taken a look at five players who have made an impressive start to the season and should be on the periphery of Tuchel's plans.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Injuries have derailed Jarrad Branthwaite's progression and the towering central defender was restricted to just 10 Premier League appearances last season, but the Cumbrian has made an emphatic return to the heart of Everton's backline.
The 24-year-old played every minute in the Premier League so far for Everton and produced a player of the match performance in the goallless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Central defence hasn't been the strongest area for England of late. Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and John Stones were Tuchel's main trio at the World Cup, with the latter improving as the tournament progressed and he's now earning regular minutes at Inter.
Branthwaite made his senior England debut in June 2024 and it was anticipated he would have many more caps at this stage of his career, but it won't be too long before he's ramping up the tally of international appearances.
Jayden Bogle
A warning in advance: Jayden Bogle is not the only Leeds United player to feature.
Instrumental in helping Daniel Farke's side haul themselves clear of relegation trouble last season, Bogle has started the new campaign in splendid form.
The enterprising wing-back has showcased his goal threat, scoring twice from four shots on target with an xG of 1.31 - even if he did nick Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal against Newcastle United.
Right-back has also been a headache position for Tuchel and with Reece James making a case to operate as a central midfielder, Bogle would be thoroughly deserving of a slot in the England squad.
Jayden Bogle's 2026/27 Premier League heatmap
Plenty of touches in the opposition half. Source: Fotmob
Liam Delap
If I'd suggested this a month ago I'd have been mocked from Stamford Bridge to the City Ground and more.
Calvert-Lewin was another contender to feature in this article, but it feels as though the Leeds striker has a strong chance of being included in Tuchel's squad, so I've looked slightly more left field at Liam Delap, who's made an excellent start to life at Nottingham Forest.
The striker opened his account for Oliver Glasner's side in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa and the former Chelsea frontman has been a livewire in the early stages of his Forest career.
If he can replicate the same form he demonstrated at Ipswich Town, Delap could be in for a strong season at the City Ground.
At some point, England will need to give the Harry Kane succession plan some careful consideration, and although Delap might not be the answer, there's no harm in awarding him an audition.
Alex Scott
Tuchel is a known admirer of Bournemouth's Alex Scott and although he did not feature in England's final 26-man squad, he did make an appearance in their pre-tournament preparations.
A lot has happened since then, with Scott being the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea, but Bournemouth were eager to retain their prized midfielder and the Guernseyman has excelled in the embyronic stage of the Premier League season.
An all-action eight, Scott has been a greater threat in the final third under Michael Rose, ranking prominently against his positional peers for xG, chances created and touches in the opposition box.
A senior England bow feels inevitable for the 23-year-old.
James Justin
Not just one Leeds defender, but two!
My friend here James Justin is another individual who was pivotal in the Whites preserving their Premier League status with ease last term and the former Leicester City ace has flourished in a hybrid role from central defence, providing Bogle with the necessary cover for his attacking endeavours whilst forging a resilient partnership next to his centre-back partners.
While Justin has thrived as a central defender, he can play right-back, left-back or wing-back on either flank and has been a beacon of consistency in whichever position he starts.
Versatility is a huge asset for Tuchel and Justin at the very least deserves another crack in England shirt after the heartbreak of being withdrawn due to injury in his one and, to date, only Three Lions appearance in June 2022.
