Coral’s England Under-21 team at 2015 UEFA European Championship

It seems as though this ex-Blackburn Rovers ball-winner has been young forever. Jones is still just 22, however, and could be a candidate to skipper Southgate’s Young Lions. The versatile theme keeps on going with Leicester City prodigy Liam Moore, while Nottingham Forest’s Jamaal Lascelles should be playing Premier League football next term regardless of potential Reds promotion, as Newcastle United now own him.

Tournament experience would do the man earmarked as the future senior England left back a lot of good. Shaw was briefly exposed to this at the World Cup in Brazil, but would benefit from being a starter.

Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan can play on either flank of defence alternatively, though has been dogged by injuries this term. Others in with a chance are Everton youngster Luke Garbutt and Southampton teenager Matt Targett.

Midfield and wide areas have huge strength in depth; there are four players for each position, so we don’t envy Southgate in terms of selection. Our choices below are all established senior England stars, but others could easily get the nod if Hodgson wants to rest or use our foursome.

We felt sorry for the Ox, who had to watch from the sidelines in Brazil after his injury just before the World Cup. Some active tournament experience as a regular starter would be welcome.

Southampton product James Ward-Prowse is the latest in the long line of ones to watch on the south coast, while Wilfried Zaha is resurrecting his career at Crystal Palace, having returned home from Manchester United.

Goodison Park prize asset Barkley would be brilliant at an Under-21 tournament, as his creativity could be harnessed to great effect.

Swansea City’s Jonjo Shelvey is still eligible at this level, while temporary teammate Tom Carroll (on loan at the Liberty from Tottenham) has been hailed as the new Luka Modric.

As he was born on the cut-off day, Wilshere is free to go to this tournament. His all-round game, provided he’s fully fit, would be invaluable to England at any level.

Chelsea-owned holding player Nathaniel Chalobah has had spells this season at Burnley and FA Cup semi-finalists Reading. Southgate may also like the guile of emerging Derby County force Will Hughes.

Either out wide or in an advanced midfield role, the searing, raw pace of Sterling should slaughter defences at this level. Enough said. Norwich City’s Nathan Redmond is catching the eye in the Championship, while Tom Ince remains eligible and has enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Derby County.

Bearing the scoring burden of a struggling Baggies side only stands this emerging talent in good stead. Berahino was also instrumental in getting the Young Lions to the finals, as he was Southgate’s top scorer in qualifying with 10.

Burnley’s Danny Ings is almost in double figures during his maiden Premier League campaign, though there’s also Championship Player of the Year Patrick Bamford to consider after an impressive spell at Middlesbrough.

Leading Spurs light under Mauricio Pochettino, Kane scored 30 goals this term, and previously formed a potent partnership with Berahino. Seven strikes en route to the finals, including home and away against Croatia in the play-offs, is an impressive return.

Sunderland’s Connor Wickham also scored important goals to save the Wearside outfit from relegation last term, and he remains eligible.