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6 English players with no international caps
With England boss Gareth Southgate set to name his last international squad before the end of the season, Euro 2020 is finally just around the corner after it was delayed for 12 months. Southgate will likely have set in stone the majority of his selections already but there are still likely to be a few places up for grabs ahead of the rescheduled tournament. While the identify of most of the squad members is probably set in stone, there are a few uncapped English players still hoping to make the frame. So which England hopeful with no international caps could yet feature in Euro 2020?
6 English players with no international caps
Patrick Bamford (Leeds United)
Harry Kane will undoubtedly lead the line but there remains a question mark over who will be included in the squad as cover for the England captain. Bamford has certainly built a compelling case for England selection with his incredible season, with the Leeds striker netting 13 Premier League goals already this term, making him a contender for the Premier League golden boot, and he has six international caps at youth level.
Perhaps more impressive than Bamford’s rapidly improving finishing is his build-up play, which could make him a good fit should Kane be unavailable or rested.
Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are likely to be ahead of Bamford in the pecking order, while Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham is another option, but Southgate should be taking a look at the 27-year-old given his fine form this season.
Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
Tyrone Mings has been a fixture in England squads for a while but his centre-back partner Konsa is now pushing hard to be considered. The rejuvenated John Stones will surely be recalled but, with Joe Gomez injured, there could still be spots up for grabs at the back.
Konsa has been one of the top defenders in the Premier League this season and the 23-year-old has international caps for England at Under-21 level so will be familiar to Southgate and his staff. Southgate will also be aware of the fact that Konsa qualifies to represent a number of nations, so tying him to England might be a smart move sooner rather than later.
Villa boss Dean Smith has compared Konsa to club icon Paul McGrath. Stepping up to international level would give the defender a chance to prove the likeness is accurate. Konsa’s team-mates Ollie Watkins and Matt Targett have also been suggested as potential future England players by Villa fans but they do not yet appear to be on the radar.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Like Konsa, Wan-Bissaka qualifies to represent DR Congo and his international future is starting to become a topic of hot debate. The right-back is in excellent form but is unfortunate in that his position is an area of strength for England
Kieran Trippier shone for the Three Lions at the last World Cup and, since then, Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold have both emerged as excellent options. Kyle Walker is also likely to be selected in the squad for Euro 2020 due to his handy ability to feature in a back three.
With the likes of Brighton starlet Tariq Lamptey coming through too, Wan-Bissaka might well decide playing for DR Congo is a better move. Southgate tends to operate with wing-backs and this might not suit Wan-Bissaka’s game as much as some of the alternatives in the mix.
Wan-Bissaka has recorded the most tackles in the Premier League this season. His attacking prowess has improved but does not compare favourably to either James or Alexander-Arnold.
Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
England are not short of creative midfielders either, so this tournament will probably come too soon for Smith Rowe despite his undoubted impact at Arsenal in the last few months.
Smith Rowe’s best position is also 10 and England’s usual formation does not feature this type of player, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Phil Foden typically having to operate elsewhere.
It would probably take injuries to the likes of Mason Mount and James Maddison for Smith Rowe to find himself parachuted into the squad, but he is certainly one for the future have earnt over 22 international caps already for England’s junior teams.
Ben White (Brighton)
England’s depth at centre-back is solid, if not spectacular, behind the probably starting pair of Stones and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, with White among those to have been touted for a first call up soon.
Linked with a summer switch to Liverpool, White has been a bright spot in what has become a difficult season for the Seagulls.
White is comfortable on the ball and this is likely to make him attractive to Southgate, as is the fact he has experience of playing in a back three at club level
Options such as Wolves skipper Conor Coady appear to be further up the queue, however, but White certainly has the feel of a future England international. If Brighton are relegated, it might seem odd to select one of their defenders in the squad, though.
Ben Godfrey (Everton)
Another defensive option for Southgate to consider, with international caps as a youth player, is Godfrey, who has been one of the shining lights for the Toffees in their chase for Champions League qualification. Versatility is important for international squads and Godfrey has done a good job filling in at full-back on both sides of the pitch since signing from Norwich City last year.
At just 23, Godfrey has time on his side but club manager Carlo Ancelotti has already advised Southgate to keep an eye on the uncapped defender.
Mason Holgate is another defender many Everton fans should be considered by England too.
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