England: 10 uncapped players who will surely be in Gareth Southgate's plans for Qatar 2022
The next World Cup is just a year away - but the England squad could look remarkably different to how it was at the Euros
Of England's 2018 World Cup squad, only 10 managed to make the Euro 2020 squad. There's a lot more churn between tournaments than you may think.
Imagine going back to those halcyon summer evenings in 2018 and telling your past self that Dele Alli wouldn't be a part of the next international tournament squad yet some 15-year-old called Jude would. Well next year's World Cup is not quite the three-year absence that we had between the last two tournaments – but there's still a huge opportunity for some players to force themselves into the narrative.
We've looked through at some of the uncapped stars of the Premier League – here are 10 who may have as good a chance as any at getting in…
1. Jacob Ramsey
Aston Villa have been revitalised under Steven Gerrard and Jacob Ramsey has been central to everything good in the Midlands. The midfielder is fantastic in a midfield three, showing discipline beyond his years and an ability to link players around him: is he ready for the next step?
Apparently so. Gareth Southgate has reportedly told the youngster that he's in contention for a spot in the England squad sooner rather than later and to bide his time. If he takes to international football as quickly as he has to the Premier League, he could be invaluable in years to come to this England team.
2. Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas is a defender who might be in Southgate's thinking purely because of his position. The Leicester left-back is young but probably pretty high up on the list already – presumably behind Kieran Trippier though, weirdly.
If Thomas has a good season with the Foxes, there's no reason that he can't make a case for himself getting into the England squad next year – especially if Ben Chilwell is still struggling with injury later this year. Thomas is already a better shout for club and country than Ryan Bertrand: it might not be long before he gets the international shout.
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3. Jarrod Bowen
Jarod Bowen worked his way up from Hereford to the Premier League and it would be a magical story to see him get capped for England. The West Ham man has been in scintillating form this season, too.
In terms of work rate and energy, there's arguably been no one in better form than Bowen since the turn of the year. Southgate might view him as a Lingard-esque burst of energy at international level – he's definitely an option for Qatar.
4. Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones is excellent in possession and superb positionally: there aren't many English midfielders who have his composure and big-game experience, either.
With Kalvin Phillips still injured, there's a place potentially up for grabs – especially if Leeds go down and Phillips doesn't get a move. Jones is well worth dropping into the international set-up between now and Qatar and if he impresses like Jude Bellingham did, he might just earn a spot in the squad.
5. Ezri Konsa
"It nearly went all the way in! 😲Ezri Konsa flicks the ball onto his own bar to deny Chelsea an opening goal! 📺 #CHEAVL on Sky Sports PL or follow: https://t.co/hmqjBAVtgw pic.twitter.com/SXGzUnEoECSeptember 11, 2021
There were some who were confused about Tyrone Mings's inclusion in the England side when Ezri Konsa has impressed just as much - if not more - than his centre-back partner at Aston Villa.
Konsa is remarkably solid but seems to have been overlooked up until now because there are better players on the ball. If Villa continue to improve though, how long until Konsa is unignorable? There are plenty of Premier League fans who rate him - maybe he's due a cap sooner rather than later.
6. Fabio Carvalho
Yes, Fabio Carvalho is only playing Championship football. But with a battle between the Three Lions and Portugal for his citizenship, England might want to pounce before its too late.
It wouldn't be a bad idea. The Fulham star has been in great form this season and still just a teenager, he looks like a name who's going to be lighting up the elite level for years to come. In the same way that it's done Bellingham good to be exposed to the top level, it must do Carvalho good, too.
7. Japhet Tanganga
⏱️ 91st minute...🏃Japhet running rings! ⚡#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/Uu6esOqcnlJanuary 15, 2020
A Spurs star who's been an impressive spark this season, Japhet Tanganga's versatility and capability one-on-one defensively makes him an intriguing prospect for England.
If you end up drawing a big side in the second round of the World Cup, are you going to man-mark their best attacker? If so, there aren't many better English defenders to use, even off the bench, defending a lead. Tanganga's still young but he seems destined for a big career already.
8. Harvey Elliott
It's crazy to think that Harvey Elliott still isn't even 20. As one of Jurgen Klopp's best options in midfield, he's set for a career at the very top already.
England could rely on a right-hand side of Elliott, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Bukayo Saka playing a Mohamed Salah-type role ahead of the two of them. If it works like it does for Liverpool, it could be a winning combination – regardless, Elliott will be a fixture in this side for years to come.
9. Tino Livramento
🅰️ @tino_livramento ⚽️ @theowalcott How to make an impact off the bench: pic.twitter.com/ionieTj5bjAugust 7, 2021
Poor Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Behind Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James in the England pecking order, he's have slipped even further down this season. And not just due to his own poor form.
Tino Livramento looks like an absolute star already. The Southampton full-back has everything to his game, has displaced Kyle Walker-Peters from the right-back spot with ease and already looks like an England call-up could be around the corner. And then there's Tariq Lamptey for AWB to fend off, too...
10. Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney has taken to Premier League football like he was made for this level. Who's to say he won't do the same in an England shirt?
Brentford's no.9 is an all-round striker, the like of which we rarely see these days. There aren't many England players in the current set-up who have climbed their way up from the lower leagues but Toney has that fight and bustle still in his game – not to mention he's a natural finisher and his link-up play is improving by the match. He might find himself on the plane to Qatar if he keeps up his impressive form...
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Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.