Harry Maguire among five players likely to be axed by Gareth Southgate

Following the cancellation of international friendlies in March and the postponement of the European Championships by a year, it has been almost ten months since we have seen Gareth Southgate’s England side in action. With the Three Lions manager set to name his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches on Tuesday, here’s a look at five of the players from his last squad who are unlikely to retain their place.

Harry Maguire

An obvious place to start. The Manchester United captain faces criminal charges in Greece following an altercation with fellow holidaymakers and police officials on Thursday night. The hearing is set for Tuesday, the same day that Southgate names his squad. It is unlikely that Maguire will be part of it, even should he be found innocent.

The probable replacement: Joe Gomez made 28 appearances in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign and started each of their final eight matches. Only injury saw him omitted from the last Three Lions squad.

The outsider: Should Southgate wish to experiment with a back three again as he did at the 2018 World Cup, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be well placed for a call-up. Defensively astute, the Manchester United right back does not have the stats in the final third to match current England incumbent Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, he could be utilised in a more central role, especially if midfield options are limited and one spot can be sacrificed.

Fikayo Tomori

Having been called up in place of Gomez for the Three Lions’ last match against Kosovo in November, the 22-year-old has only made one appearance for Chelsea since January. Rumour has it that the academy graduate is set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

The probable replacement: Michael Keane has ten caps to his name and seems the most likely candidate. Given Maguire’s expected absence, he would also be the oldest of the current crop of central defenders and offer needed experience.

The outsider: Keane’s Everton teammate Mason Holgate has enjoyed a fine end to the campaign. During the league season he actually boasted a higher tackle success rate than his defensive partner (81.5% to 75.6%). However, the 23-year-old is 7cm shorter than Keane and as a result fared less well in aerial duels (55% compared to 59%), though his interceptions/game rate was almost identical (1.3 to 1.4).

Danny Rose

Having only operated as Ashley Young’s deputy at the World Cup two years ago, Rose has seen opportunities limited under Southgate. An unspectacular loan spell at Newcastle in the second half of the season has done little to improve his prospects.

The probable replacement: With Ben Chilwell having secured the left-back spot, whoever replaces Rose will have to settle for a place on the bench. Although Maguire may be missing, his partner of the left side of Manchester United’s defence, Luke Shaw, seems the natural choice.

The outsider: Shaw did not feature in any of United’s final seven games of the season and has done little to impress during his previous eight caps. As a result, Southgate could offer a senior debut to Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal youngster has enjoyed a breakout season in which he contributed four goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Having been handed the number seven shirt for the Gunners, his future position is likely to be further forward but he has shown promise in a defensive role.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Liverpool midfielder has all the attributes to play a key role for England. Unfortunately his pre-season training has been cut short through injury, and he will not be fit for the Nations League games in a fortnight.

The probable replacement: Phil Foden has been long-tipped for a senior call-up and five goals and two assists in 12 games for Manchester City since June suggest he is ready for the international stage. Although deployed more recently in a front three, the majority of his appearances this season have been in midfield. His versatility should only help his cause.

The outsider: A regular member of the set-up since his debut seven years ago, Ross Barkley boasts the profile most similar to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s. It could be that Southgate opts for the Chelsea midfielder in a bid to recreate the Liverpool man’s physical presence in the centre of the pitch.

Callum Wilson

Often a centre forward who suffers relegation is given some credit for their ultimately futile displays while a brittle defence let them down. This was not the case with Wilson, who netted just eight times all season as Bournemouth’s five-year stay in the Premier League came to an end.

The probable replacement: Mason Greenwood does not turn 19 until October but ends 2019/20 with 17 goals in all competitions for Manchester United. The Bradford-born forward is not only comfortable on either foot but, frankly, lethal. He can operate across the front three and is sure to be a part of England’s future. That chapter could start here.

The outsider: It seems strange to class a player with 22 league goals last season as an unlikely candidate, but that is the case with Danny Ings. The Southampton striker could yet sneak in over Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham but, at 28, one senses his chance may have passed him by.

*Stats via WhoScored.