Five Premier League players who need to boost England chances

England have claimed their place at next summer's World Cup but several players will want to boost their chances of selection when the Premier League returns on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions will be travelling to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but competition for a place in his squad is expected to be fierce.

DAZN News looks at five players who will want to build form in the English top-flight to win a seat on the plane.

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins started and scored in England's friendly win over Wales at Wembley before succumbing to an injury which ruled him out of their World Cup qualifier with Latvia.

Harry Kane is expected to lead the line for England at next summer's showpiece but Watkins has proved to be an able deputy, scoring the winner in the Euro 2024 semi-final victory over the Netherlands.

While Tuchel appears to be a fan of Watkins, 29, his Premier League form will be a concern for the England boss.

The forward has scored one goal in seven league appearances for Villa, who are 13th in the table after just two wins.

Watkins is likely to face competition for a place in England's squad from a resurgent Marcus Rashford, who has impressed on loan with Barcelona, and Saudi-based Ivan Toney.

PA

Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish has rediscovered his best form since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City this summer but was still omitted from England's latest squad.

Grealish has scored once and made a league-high four assists in his seven Premier League appearances for the Toffees so far, but perhaps Tuchel would like to see his continued rise over a more prolonged period.

He also faces stern competition with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Morgan Rogers, who has emerged as a preferred option for Tuchel, in the coveted number 10 role.

It's a similar situation in a wide berth for Grealish where Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon appear to be the frontrunners.

The quality of Grealish's skill and direct running has never been in doubt but the 30-year-old can only control his own performances and will want to time his rise to form at the right moment for Tuchel's consideration.

Phil Foden

Manchester City's master technician was overlooked in Tuchel's latest squad.

Phil Foden endured a difficult campaign as City's title defence faltered last season but he has regained form at the start of this campaign.

Foden, 25, has made two England appearances under Tuchel and was often called upon under the German's predecessor, Sir Gareth Southgate.

Jude Bellingham's prominence as England's leading number 10 has meant Foden has often played for his country from the left.

With Bellingham also omitted from Tuchel's squad, however, Foden can push his case for the key creative role if he builds on his current return of one goal in five league appearances for City.

Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton has impressed in the Premier League after developing with hometown club Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

The 21-year-old central midfielder has taken to the top-flight with aplomb since joining Crystal Palace in January 2024 and has since made 42 Premier League appearances.

A tenacity in the tackle and a composure in possession which belies his years, Wharton was influential in Palace's FA Cup victory last season, but he is yet to feature for England under Tuchel.

His international debut, and only cap to date, came from the bench against Bosnia & Herzegovina under Southgate in June 2024 and Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson has since emerged as a strong contender for a midfield role.

Tuchel has reportedly contacted Wharton in the past to reassure the youngster he remains in his thoughts and more excellent displays for Palace will only strengthen his claim for a chance.

Jordan Henderson

Tuchel's admiration of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson has been apparent since he named the 35-year-old in his first squad after taking charge.

The former Liverpool captain had not featured for England since November 2023 and his move to Al-Ittifaq from Anfield appeared to indicate his days with the Three Lions may be behind him.

Henderson is a dedicated professional, who Tuchel says embodies what he is trying to build, but he will aged 36 by the time the World Cup comes around.

The midfielder has impressed since returning to the Premier League with Brentford, where is experience and ability to marshall a midfield have paid dividends, but questions remain over his productivity at the highest level of international football.

Henderson will have to keep rolling back the years wiith the Bees to keep competition from the likes of Wharton at bay, while also proving his manager's doubters wrong.

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