Four uncapped stars pushing for Southgate's Euros squad

With Euro 2024 on the horizon, competition for places in Gareth Southgate's England squad is fiercer than ever.

While some established regulars are assured of a spot on the plane, others are still hoping to force their way into the picture — including some fresh faces.

We take a look at four uncapped stars who still hold a genuine chance of representing the Three Lions in Germany this summer.

Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton fans have not had much to smile about this season but the emergence of Jarrad Branthwaite in their backline has been a joy to behold.

The 21-year-old centre-back excelled on loan at PSV last term and has since seized his opportunity at Goodison Park, forming an imperious partnership with the experienced James Tarkowski.

Standing at 6ft 5in and blessed with eye-catching strength and pace, Branthwaite has all the physical traits an elite defender requires — and the technical ability to match.

Despite mediocre results, the Toffees rank fifth in the Premier League for expected goals conceded, only trailing the league's top four teams in that metric.

Given the injury woes of his fellow left-footers Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi, it would be no surprise to see Branthwaite earn a first call-up for clashes with Brazil and Belgium later this month.

Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United have seen plenty of their academy graduates go on to become England regulars and Kobbie Mainoo looks to be the next in line.

Stockport-born Mainoo, 18, shone during the Red Devils' pre-season tour of the USA but had to wait until November for his Premier League chance after suffering a cruel ankle injury.

The youngster has made up for last time however, starting United's last 11 top-flight fixtures in a holding midfield role and earning rave reviews for his performances.

Mainoo is a supremely confident ball-carrier, as perfectly demonstrated by his six completed dribbles in last month's 2-1 win at Luton — the rest of his team-mates only managed five combined.

With the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson failing to shine recently, it may be the perfect time to introduce Mainoo to the England fold.

Curtis Jones

Another midfielder who must be on Southgate's radar is Liverpool regular Curtis Jones.

Still only 23 years old, the academy ace has been in and around the Reds' first-team squad for four seasons but is now established as a regular in Jurgen Klopp's engine room.

Jones is a rare commodity, impressing equally in all aspects of his position — looking as comfortable when pressing and tackling as he does in his passing and ball progression.

He played a starring role in Lee Carsley's England Under-21s winning the European Championship last summer, earning a place in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.

Though currently injured, Jones will be back in time to make one final push for the senior squad.

Anthony Gordon

Another star of the Young Lions' triumph last summer, Anthony Gordon has hit new heights with Newcastle this term.

The ex-Everton winger took a little time to settle on Tyneside but is now terrorizing full-backs on a weekly basis for Eddie Howe's ambitious outfit.

At the time of writing, the 23-year-old has an impressive 14 direct goal involvements in the Premier League this season, making him one of the division's most productive attackers.

With electric pace and a burning desire to beat a full-back, Gordon would undoubtedly bring something different to the table if England were chasing a game this summer.

Add in the unremarkable form of some of his fellow wide men and there is a strong case to be made for his inclusion.