Five players who could be on the verge of a call-up.
With another England international friendly just around the corner, that includes an eye-catching friendly between Scotland and England in Glasgow, Premier League players will be swearing on their international futures and whether a call-up will be forthcoming, with the managers of Chelsea and Liverpool already having expressed reservations about their star men being involved.
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For these five players it could be a little bit more special, however, with all being on the verge of receiving their first international caps after some fine Premier League displays:
Graziano Pelle (Southampton and Italy)
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle could be set to make his first steps with the Italian national team at the age of 29 after an explosive start to life in the Premier League, that has seen him help soften the blow for Southampton after they lost Rickie Lambert to Liverpool and Jay Rodriguez to injury. Italy boss Antonio Conte has already said that he is well aware of Pelle’s progress and it would be a surprise if he is not called up by the Azzurri.
Jack Colback (Newcastle United and England)
Having joined Newcastle United on a controversial free transfer move from local rivals Sunderland this summer, Jack Colback received a surprise call up by Roy Hodgson for his squad for the games against Norway and Switzerland recently. Colback was forced to withdraw after picking up a knock in training, but could make his England bow if Hodgson again chooses to select the player nicknamed ‘the ginger Pirlo’.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City and England)
An England cap would complete an unreal rise to prominence for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, with calls for him to be drafted into the Three Lions set-up having ratcheted up following his evisceration of Manchester United in their 5-3 defeat at the King Power Stadium. For a player whose former clubs include Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town, an England call-up would be an incredible achievement for the lightning quick forward.
Ander Herrera (Manchester United and Spain)
Such is the depth of quality in the Spain midfielder, Ander Herrera is yet to get a full cap for La Roja, despite Manchester United having shelled out more than £30 million to sign him from Athletic Bilbao this summer. A reasonable start to life at Old Trafford may have caught the attention of manager Vicente del Bosque, however, and he may well see Herrera as worth introducing to the squad as Spain look to plan for life after Xavi and Xabi Alonso.
Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion and England)
Burundi-born striker Saido Berahino has a prolific record for the England Under 21 side and, with five goals already to his name after a fantastic start to the Premier League season, the youngster could soon be tasting senior action under Roy Hodgson. The Three Lions are not flush with options in attack and, if his current form continues, Berahino is likely to have a long international career which could take off in the near future.