Gareth Southgate today has to restrict the number of players who can gatecrash England’s World Cup squad to a provisional 55 names.
While managers can change the members of their final 26-man squads right up until kick-off in their first game, they can only select replacements from this initial pool that has to be submitted to FIFA. The process is mainly an administrative one, so that FIFA can check the eligibility of players who have any sort of chance of featuring in the tournament.
As a result, the FA policy is not to reveal the names, as the higher numbers on the list are largely irrelevant and bear no relevance to the chances of future selection. Nevertheless, clubs will be informed as a courtesy in the coming days which of their players are in contention for a late call-up so that they are best able to prepare domestic programmes during the tournament itself.
However, there will be no attempt made to contact players directly with Southgate keen to play down the importance of this particular selection cut-off. But we have had a look and considered which fringe players could be on Southgate's lips and have the potential to make a bolt to be in the final squad.
Andy Dunn
Harvey Elliott - I love the attitude of this young man, love his infectiousness, love the positivity he showed in the immediate aftermath of a terrible injury in September of last year.
Not only would the 19-year-old Liverpool midfielder be a creative midfield option for Gareth Southgate, he would be a great tourist.
Jeremy Cross
Leeds winger Jack Harrison has shown some sparkling form for Jesse Marsch's men this season and has been watched by Gareth Southgate several times. The problem he has is that Harrison is competing in a position in which Southgate appears spoiled for choice.
Which surprise name do you want to see in England's squad at the World Cup? Comment here
Neil McLeman
Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell made his England debut in March - his first appearance at any level for the Three Lions - and has continued his strong form into this season under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira.
The 23-year-old former Brentford trainee is behind Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell and Kieran Trippier in the pecking order. But the Newcastle star might be required at right-back and Mitchell would offer solid cover - and gain valuable experience for future tournaments.
David Maddock
Bear with me on this, it may take a little explaining. What are we looking for in a 26 player squad at a World Cup finals? Quality, yes. And balance.
Not everyone can be a starter, quite patently. In a squad of 26, there is room for specialist roles, and my surprise pick for England would be able to bring experience as a substitute, leadership, and versatility.
Who better than James Milner? He performs that role for Liverpool brilliantly, is brought on to see games out, or pick the team up with his leadership. Brilliant against City, then match-winning block in the final minute against West Ham. As a sub, he’d be perfect for the finals in so many scenarios.
Matt Dunn
It's easy to get fixated on "the 55" and Gareth Southgate is unlikely to fritter away places on what is purely an administrative list for FIFA. He would be concerned a nomination might build up hopes unrealistically in young players who are added to make up the numbers even though there is little realistic chance they will make it aboard the plane. That is why the FA don't make the final cut public.
However, there is one category of player a mention in despatches could give a really chivvy up to and some home thoughts from abroad: those players who have taken the brave step to complete their football education on the continent. Tammy Abraham, Jude Bellingham and Fikayo Tomori will all be names high up on the list in any case.
But perhaps a little shout out to Marcus Edwards at Sporting Lisbon might show that out of sight is not out of mind and he remains on a very positive path.
David Anderson
Gareth Southgate axed Ben White from his last squad, but the versatile Arsenal defender would give him so many options. He’s excelling at right-back this season and is comfortable in a two or a three at the back.
Gideon Brooks
Ryan Sessegnon seems to have spent a long time in the departure lounge waiting for a promising career to take off, but there are signs that he is beginning to realise his potential with Spurs this season.
The versatile left sided player has won four and drawn one of his five starts under this season. He also has tournament experience with the age groups from U17s upwards and could be ready to make the step up to senior ranks.
Neil Squires
With Reece James doubtful, Rangers captain James Tavernier offers another option as back-up for the attack-minded right-back slot. It might only have been Scottish football but the Yorkshireman scored 18 times in all competitions last season.
Alan Smith
It is five years since Chris Smalling's last cap but considering Southgate's defensive concerns, a unit plagued by injuries and loss of form, it seems baffling to ignore someone who is in decent nick at his club - even if it is Serie A. Perhaps Jose Mourinho was overegging it on Monday when he said he would "do anything to have someone like [Smalling] at my disposal" but that he feels "sorry for a player who's playing at such a high level who won't get the opportunity he deserves" is understandable.
Tom Blow
Gareth Southgate should use his 55-man squad to call-up some young stars. There's no point in selecting a 27-year-old who might earn a handful of caps in the future.
The likes of Eberechi Eze, Eddie Nketiah and Morgan Gibbs-White are all good shouts - and may just be included - but my pick would be Harvey Elliott . He's featured in every game for Liverpool this season aged 19. Need I say more?
