If media reports are to be believed, Middlesbrough star Will Lankshear could be on the verge of a shock England call-up.
The powerful frontman has enjoyed a scintillating start to life on Teeside since joining in a big-money deal from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, netting a Championship-high 13 goals for Kim Hellberg's side.
The youngster, who is averaging a goal a game in the North East, has long been mooted as a potential Three Lions star, having previously excelled at youth level on the international stage.
He has bagged at under 19, under 20 and under 21 level for England, with many feeling he possesses the talents and mindset to follow in the footsteps of recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane.
Reports earlier this week has suggested England scouts were expected to take in Boro's clash with Wrexham on Wednesday night with a view to Tuchel naming him in the senior set-up for the first time on Friday.
However, a subsequent knee injury forced the 21-year-old to miss out for the first time this season, and potentially dent his hopes of what would be his maiden call-up to the senior setup.
"Will was due to be in the starting line-up for the game on Tuesday, but could not play in the end. That meant we had to change things late," Hellberg told the media this week.
"I don’t know exactly how he is right now. I still hope he might play on Saturday at Watford, but we will have to see. If not, we then have the international break and he should be fine. It’s nothing serious."
Lingering concerns over Lankshear's availability over the next couple of weeks could sway Tuchel's mind to not include the Championship star in his plans for the upcoming UEFA Nations League double-header against Croatia and world champions Spain.
But should he get the nod, he could become the first outfield player in well over a decade to represent the Three Lions whilst plying his trade in the English second-tier.
Who was the last Championship player to play for England?
- Sam Johnstone (2021)
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was the last player to feature for England while playing in the Championship.
The giant stopper, who was playing for West Bromwich Albion at the time, made his international bow in a 1-0 friendly victory against Romania ahead of the European Championships.
The now 33-year-old went on to represent his country three further times, registering clean sheets in each.
Who was the last outfield player from the Championship to play for England?
- Wilfried Zaha (2012)
Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha was handed his England debut by Roy Hodgson 14 years ago whilst representing the Eagles in the second-tier.
The pacy attacker came on as a second half substitute in a 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden in Stockholm before picking up his second cap nine months later in a 3-2 friendly success over Scotland.
Zaha ultimately switched his allegiances to Ivory Coast in 2016, for whom he has since made 36 appearances for, chipping in with five goals.
