The Outsiders With a Great Chance to Make the England Euro 2021 Squad

Danny Ings was one of the favourites to head to the Euro's earlier this season, and if the competition were to take place in 2020 as initially planned, the Southampton man most definitely would have gone after outscoring everyone in the Premier League except Jamie Vardy and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Now, however, after an injury layoff and Southampton falling from European contenders to outside the top 10, Ings might struggle to stay on Southgate's radar with other Englishman outscoring him. On the other hand, his fabulous goals against Wolves recently reminded us all that he still has that goalscoring touch, and if the Saints can refind their form, so will he.

At the moment, Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson are outscoring Ings, but given how Watkins has just four goals in the top flight since matchday eight when he scored a brace, it's clear to see who is the more consistent with their deliveries in front of goal.

Gareth Southgate has a wealth of right-backs to choose from, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka can offer something entirely different to his other attack-minded options. The 23-year-old is arguably the best one-on-one defender in the Premier League and has highlighted on many occasions his ability to shut the absolute best out. The Manchester United man loves to defend and, unlike the likes of England regulars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James, is in form for his club side.

Wan-Bissaka has improved his attacking output, too, registering two assists and two goals this year in the Premier League. With the combination of his form and the lack of it from his rivals for a spot in the squad, Wan- Bissaka could force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the summer and based solely on his unrivalled defensive brilliance, he should go based on the fact England may end up playing a top attacking side.

Put it this way, he's done well pocketing the likes of Mbappe, Neymar and Sterling to name a few so far.

James Ward-Prowse has been outstanding this season for Southampton, and if selected, his set-pieces could be a real asset. The 26-year-old has already found the net from four free-kicks this season and has his sights firmly set on Three Lions legend David Beckham’s record of 18 in the Premier League.

A crucial part of England’s success in the 2018 World Cup was their ability from set-pieces, and now with Jack Grealish in the England setup, the Three Lions will accumulate many free-kick opportunities. Ward-Prowse’s inclusion could be pivotal in making the most of these set pieces and it would certainly bulk up their options in midfield and in getting a goal.

The Saints man not only offers ability from dead-ball situations, but Ward-Prowse would also provide a balanced midfield option; England's midfield options are heavily stacked with specialist attacking and defensive midfielders. Ward-Prowse has qualities in both departments, which could provide the right balance alongside a Declan Rice or Jordan Henderson.

Jude Bellingham has had a monumental rise over the past 18months. His move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer saw him become the most expensive 17-year-old ever, and the youngster's start to life at the Westfalenstadion has been impressive too.

Bellingham has made 26 appearances for the Bundesliga club, which subsequently saw him rewarded with his first senior England cap against the Republic of Ireland back in November, not long after he won the Rookie of the Month in the Bundesliga.

Coincidently, Bellingham replaced Ward-Prowse in the England squad in November, and like Ward-Prowse, he has the versatility to play in several positions across the midfield. This could ultimately benefit his chances of making the squad and see him follow in the footsteps of players like Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott as one of the youngest members of an England squad ever at a major competition.

Michael Keane has had his fair share of critics during his time at Everton, but since the arrival of manager Carlo Ancelotti, the 28-year-old has found a real level of consistency in the heart of the Toffees defence alongside Yerry Mina. The tall central defender has also become a goal threat, netting three this season, which, considering England scored a handful of goals from set-pieces at the World Cup, is something that could entice Southgate further.

Despite England having an abundance of talent at their disposal, they lack real quality and depth in central defence. John Stones has eased some of those concerns and seems a shoo-in to partner Harry Maguire at the tournament. But Southgate has often utilised three centre-backs during his time as manager, which could offer a route into the squad for Keane, who already boasts 12 caps for his country.

If his fine form with Everton continues, he has an excellent chance of making Southgate's squad, especially if he can continue to outperform Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings, as these two seem to be his direct competitors.

Harvey Barnes is having his best season to date in a Leicester City shirt and acquired his first taste of international football in the 3-0 win against Wales back in October. The cap was long overdue for the 23-year-old who is having a fine spell in front of goal, netting 12, and registering a further three assists for the foxes in 31 games.

It is easy to forget that Leicester are currently one of the country's outstanding teams, and Barnes is putting in consistent performances for them both in Europe and domestically, and he has been arguably the Foxes' best player this campaign.

Despite this, a potential block to his involvement may be down to the sheer quantity and quality of player England boast in Barnes's position, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho just a select few fighting for a spot.

However, with the winger's eye for a goal, accompanied by his pace and power, he could be an excellent selection in this England squad.

By Harry Charlwood