The news yesterday confirmed that England’s star right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, would miss the upcoming European Championships having torn his thigh in a recent friendly against Austria.

There had been a lot of talk about Alexander-Arnold leading up to the tournament – many questioning whether or not he would make it into Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.

His injury has now ruled him out leaving a spot in the team for another player hoping to be selected for the tournament.

Southgate will announce a replacement for Alexander-Arnold after England’s friendly against Romania on Sunday.

There are a handful of players all vying for the spot – they will hope Sunday’s friendly gives them the opportunity to be selected.

Perhaps the most likely to be selected – and arguably the most popular choice – would be Jesse Lingard.

Lingard was ever present in England squads in the past but having lost his place in the Manchester United squad in previous seasons his place in the England squad was also lost.

Lingard’s loan move to West Ham United in January of this year well and truly gave Southgate something to think about.

With 9 goals and 4 assists in 16 games his place in the squad seemed almost a certainty. But with an abundance of attacking depth and creativity in the side he missed out.

Surely, now that this extra space has opened up, Southgate will have reconsidered.

Another player with a great chance of now making the squad is James Ward-Prowse, the Southampton captain.

The central midfielder had also been in numerous England camps recently and would likely have felt aggrieved to miss out.

His appeal comes from the attacking threat he brings and the phenomenal set pieces he brings to the side. He scored four free kicks in the latest Premier League season – the second most in a single season – and also registered a further 7 assists.

His free kick ability would be of great benefit to the England team giving the playing style Jack Grealish – the England attacker.

Grealish was fouled 277 times in the latest season – 69 times more than any other player – giving a player of Ward-Prowse’s calibre numerous chances to score.

Ward-Prowse also provides important midfield cover and, with Jordan Henderson coming into the tournament with an injury, perhaps Ward-Prowse would be the sensible choice.

Other options include defensive duo Ben White and Ben Godfrey who have both impressed for their clubs this season. With plenty of defensive cover in the squad already though, their inclusion seems unlikely.

The final contender is Ollie Watkins who has scored 14 times in the league this season and scored on his England debut against San Marino.

His selection also seems unlikely though with the squad already containing attackers in abundance.