Graham Potter fielding five Chelsea academy graduates did more than just rotate his side against Brentford, it offered one final chance for players to impress Gareth Southgate.
The England manager is expected to name a bumper 55-man squad ahead of being whittled down to 26 before the winter World Cup starts next month, and Chelsea's quick turnaround in form has offered a massive boost to some of their stars.
After Mason Mount kickstarted his own personal season with a brilliant goal against Germany last month he has gone on to register two goals and three assists for his club and will almost certainly be joined by Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell in the final squad.
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There are a group not so certain of making the cut though and the next few weeks could be vital going into the tournament. Here, football.london looks at the players Potter has helped in a final bid to impress Southgate. It is also worth adding that Kepa Arrizabalaga's form could give him an unlikely chance of getting into Spain's squad too.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Perhaps the most likely player to have turned Southgate's head is the 26-year-old. Having started the season well under Thomas Tuchel, Loftus-Cheek has continued that form under Potter and established himself as a key player.
Due to his versatility - able to play as a deeper midfielder, attacking No.8 or at wingback - the former Fulham and Crystal Palace loanee could hold an advantage over other candidates. The fact that he was also included in the 2018 World Cup squad and scored at the tournament under Southgate also offers him something to pitch to the manager. He hasn't made a squad since November 2018, though.
According to the Telegraph, Loftus-Cheek is due to be included in the 55-man squad and will have five matches to impress his national team boss before almost half the players are cut. The deadline for the final squad is November 13, just one day after Chelsea's final game before the break.
Trevoh Chalobah
Much like Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah is fighting for a place in the 55-man team before even considering the last 26. He is yet to concede when playing under Potter and has helped the team to five clean sheets in a row since coming on as a substitute against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Chalobah has also played under Southgate but just three times, making his debut in 2019 and last featuring that year too. He hasn't been included in a squad since but his own versatility as a defender in a back three or four could make him a good choice.
The 23-year-old is yet to lose a game he has started for Chelsea in 30 attempts and covered well for Thiago Silva with Kalidou Koulibaly against Brentford. With Reece James a huge injury doubt for the tournament, Chalobah could be used as cover at centre-back. It is also reported that James will be included in the preliminary squad as precaution whilst his recovery is considered.
Conor Gallagher
Whilst his teammates were battling away at Brentford, Gallagher was an early substitute due to feeling ill, Potter revealed afterwards. He has had his own mini-revival under the former Brighton boss and has made his mark with impressive impact performances, including scoring his first goal in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, where he impressed on loan last season.
The 22-year-old is another player expected to be listed in the 55-man squad and his previous under Southgate, from last season, gives him late hope. Gallagher missed out on the last squad after a poor start at Stamford Bridge but has looked back to his energetic self under Potter.
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