England's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign will end this international break, and at the same time bring important opportunities for some players to show themselves against coach Thomas Tuchel.
The German coach has almost identified the pillars in his squad, including captain Harry Kane, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and midfielder Declan Rice. Unless an injury occurs, this trio will almost certainly be in the starting lineup.
Some players are in a deadlock by not being able to play regularly at their current clubs. As the January transfer window approaches, they will likely want to find a new destination to play more.
Conor Gallagher
The former Chelsea man had an impressive first season at the Atletico Madrid, but he has lost the trust of the coaching staff in recent weeks. Gallagher has only started 2 matches in La Liga this season and often has to start from the bench.
This has seriously affected his prospects in the national team, as Gallagher has not been called up to both of his most recent training sessions. He has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, and such a move could get the 25-year-old's career back on track at the Three Lions.
Harvey Elliott
At the age of 22, Aston Villa's Harvey Elliott is expected to find a new start in the Midlands after joining the team on loan from Liverpool. However, this deal has not really met expectations.
To date, Elliott has only played four times in the Premier League, with a total of 97 minutes of play. If he wants to get into Tuchel's vision, a further transition could be necessary for the former Fulham player.
Raheem Sterling
It can be said that Sterling's move to Chelsea has turned into a disaster. The English international has been left out of the Premier League squad by Enzo Maresca, who has made 82 appearances for the national team.
Sterling has not found a new home this summer, after spending last season on loan at Arsenal. At this time, the transfer became urgent, not only to improve the prospects in the England team but also for Sterling's personal career.
Kalvin Phillips
Speaking of disaster, Phillips' time at Man City showed that exactly. Once a mainstay of the England team when moving to the Etihad, the midfielder's international career has since gradually lost direction.
Phillips has tried to revive his career through loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town, but has failed to leave much of an impression.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has gone from one of the most promising young talents in Europe to a player who has only been given a few minutes of play. Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo lost his position and there were rumors about him leaving Old Trafford.
Serie A side Napoli have emerged as potential candidates considering a reunion with former teammate Scott McTominay. Such a transformation could breathe new life into his journey to conquer the 2026 World Cup.
