Each and every month at 90min, we chew over the 23 players best placed to claim a spot in England’s squad for the delayed European Championship.

Some players are guaranteed dead-certs, some players are coming into form just at the right time and some players, well, are about to go through a period known as ’squeaky bum time‘.

HOWEVER.

In an actually not-so-surprising curveball, UEFA are considering increasing the size of squads from 23 players to 25 – owing to the stresses and strains on players brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

That could enable Southgate and the powers that be to parachute two extra players into the final squad, making his job – and this exercise – all the more fun.

So why faff about any longer, let’s get on that plane and see who’s strapped in, shall we?!?!

Would Gareth Southgate be handing the captain’s armband to Conor Coady unless he intended to take him to the Euros?

80% unlikely.

Hey Jude, your country could really have done with you at Under-21 level this month, because they’re seemingly bloody hopeless!

Let’s hope your omission from that squad isn’t in vein…

Not playing in England’s March internationals was probably the best thing that could have happened to Jordan Pickford.

Get saving those balls in Everton’s goal, pal.

WHERE IS REECE JAMES?!

It’s a very good question, particularly as the Chelsea man was called up to England’s March squad and Trent Alexander-Arnold wasn’t.

That said, Alexander-Arnold still has a couple of months to prove that he’s just going through a form blip, rather than anything more sinister. James may feel hard done by, but it’s a dog eat dog world when it comes to an England spot.

Over to you, boys.

Conor Coady’s captaincy gig may have Tyrone Mings fearing for his place on the plane.

But the Aston Villa star shouldn’t worry just yet, he’s still doing enough to warrant selection.

Three games in March, three starts, three decent shifts.

It’s difficult to imagine Kalvin Phillips not being in the squad at this stage.

England will have to streamline their centre-forward options this summer, given the abundance of talent at Southgate’s disposal.

Ollie Watkins may say differently after scoring his first England goal, but DCL bagged a brace and remains the best understudy to Harry Kane.

Karl Darlow losing his place in the Newcastle lineup has seen talk of a shock England call-up disappear into thin air.

His loss is Henderson’s gain, particularly as he’s now getting decent game time at Manchester United. Keep it going and you’re on the plane, Deano.

Injury ruled James Maddison out of contention for England’s World Cup triple-header, but should he be overlooked because of that?

Nah, he’s been great in the Premier League and his creativity is needed.

Carrying Arsenal through a period of tough results obviously took its toll on Bukayo Saka, as he had to withdraw from England’s squad through injury.

Rest up, buddy, you’re needed this summer.

Sancho also missed out on whipping San Marino because of injury, but the good news is that he has woken from his pre-Christmas form slumber.

Come on Dortmund, get him firing some more.

Nick Pope became the highest ranked goalkeeper in the squad last time we did this, and guess what? He’s done it again!

Congratulations, you big Burnley brute.

England’s left-hand side has been a concern for the best part of 20 years – firstly in the midfield/wing department, and more recently a little further back.

The good news is that those troubles are over, thanks to Ben Chilwell and one other man still to be revealed…

England are doing their best to show they don’t really need Jordan Henderson patrolling around in midfield.

Then again, Poland was the toughest test of the spring – which, unfortunately, doesn’t reflect what this summer has in store.

Liverpool’s captain has won the Champions League and Premier League in the last two years, a winning mentality that is invaluable.

Cor, another one injured!

Jack Grealish need not worry about his place, though, he’s been one of the Premier League’s best performers this season. No, really.

Yes, Marcus Rashford was also injured.

Yes, Marcus Rashford’s place is also 100% secure.

Next.

England’s 324 right backs probably need to be whittled down to three at most, but more likely two.

The best of the options available is Kyle Walker, who is not even first choice at Manchester City. Oh well, he’s actually quite good!

That other left-back we were talking about earlier?

The resurgent Luke Shaw, whose continued good form for Manchester United means he’s ahead, for now, of Chilwell in the England pecking order. Super assist for Harold of Kaneshire against Albania, wasn’t it?

He may look about 13, but Phil Foden is one of the most talented England players of the 21st century.

That said, he really should have done better with an early header against Poland – still, can’t be good at everything, right?

The John Stones of old returned in the second half of England’s World Cup qualifier with Poland.

Fortunately, the rejuvenated Manchester City star shrugged off the mistake that led to the visitors‘ goal, earning praise for his mentality from Gareth Southgate.

Nice one, Stonesiah.

Declan Rice reckons the versatile Mason Mount’s best position is as a bustling box-to-box number eight.

He’s probably right, but all we know is that Frank Lampard’s favourite non-son is becoming more and more valuable to club and country.

Harry Kane’s watching brief against San Marino allowed Raheem Sterling to captain the Three Lions to a convincing 5-0 win.

Even better than that, Sterling scored the third goal as England completed the game with 85% possession. WHAT.

Remember when Harry Maguire was down and out at Wembley, crestfallen after being sent off against Denmark?

Yeah, well remember it no more, because England’s best defender netted the winner against Poland to earn a valuable three points.

Declan Rice is not only the best holding midfielder in the country, he’s probably one of the best in Europe, if not the world.

Too far? Might not be, actually.

A lovely little header against Albania and penalty against Poland have taken captain Kane to 34 international goals.

Be afraid Wayne Rooney, the most-wanted striker in English football is coming for ya.

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