Andy Carroll

It’s a shame Carroll has lost a little bit of his momentum from earlier in the year, when he scored four times in three matches, including that scissor-kick against Crystal Palace.

But injuries to Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge – plus the continued malaise of Wayne Rooney – mean there is a space in the squad for another striker.

Understandably, people will point to his ability in the air as justification for his inclusion, but Carroll is tidy with his back to goal – which is important against deep-lying defences – and is an excellent finisher.

England don’t have many of those.

Verdict: Has a great chance.

Jermain Defoe

Defoe has scored just twice in his last seven matches.

That, though, clearly has a lot to do with the poor Sunderland team-mates he has to play alongside.

It is remarkable that the 34-year-old has done as well as he has, scoring 14 times in 24 top-flight appearances.

For so long a poacher, Defoe has developed into an ideal lone striker, one who creates space for team-mates with intelligent runs in behind.

He has also become a leader, which the current England team lacks.

It would be easy for Southgate to overlook Defoe because of his age. And also wrong.

Verdict: He should do, but probably won't.

Troy Deeney

Deeney has scored five times in his last six league outings. If Southgate is ever to pick him, you suspect it has to be now.

The Watford captain has been a good foil for other players, and is finally comfortable playing up front on his own.

Like Emile Heskey did under Fabio Capello, Deeney could bring in more gifted players – Dele Alli and Adam Lallana, say – into play.

The negatives? One of Deeney’s best attributes is winning duels, but the combative, blood-and-thunder Premier League isn’t quite replicated at international level.

Peter Crouch was penalised often, and Deeney probably would be, too.

Verdict: Unlikely.

Ross Barkley

Finally, Barkley appears to be fulfilling his long-mooted potential.

After criticising him publicly in December, Everton boss Ronald Koeman has since loaded his midfield with ball-winners and given the 23-year-old a free role from the right-hand side.

The prominence of Alli and Lallana – plus Raheem Sterling – means Barkley will not be afforded the same privileges with England.

He also needs to add more guile to flourish internationally, rather than just rely on his power.

Having been overlooked by Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce and Southgate in 2016, though, Barkley absolutely deserves to be a part of the squad this time around.

Verdict: A welcome return.

Michail Antonio

Having been selected in Allardyce and Southgate’s first England squads, it was a surprise when the latter overlooked Antonio for the games against Scotland and Spain.

The West Ham winger has to be in this time around, though.

Antonio has been superb this season, scoring his ninth goal of the campaign against Bournemouth last weekend.

That’s a remarkable record, especially as he has been moved about a bit in his 26 outings.

International recognition will be much deserved for a player who has fought his way up the leagues.

It doesn’t have to be the end of his ascent, either.

Verdict: Deserves to return.

Nathan Redmond

Sterling aside, England don’t have loads of great wingers.

Sure, Theo Walcott is playing well at the moment, but there’s nothing to suggest he is the long-term solution.

Jesse Lingard, meanwhile, is probably a squad player at best.

There’s an opportunity, then, for Redmond, who combines Walcott’s pace with Lingard’s intelligence.

The 23-year-old has flourished at Southampton this season, especially in the EFL Cup final, where he was outstanding.

Relishing the big occasion, as we know, is not intrinsic in all English footballers, although the sometimes-profligate Redmond will have to become more clinical in order to reach the next level.

Verdict: Deserves his chance.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Once a favourite of Roy Hodgson, Oxlade-Chamberlain has not featured for England since October 2015.

But the 23-year-old is playing well enough to warrant a recall now – providing the hamstring injury he sustained against Lincoln doesn’t rule him out.

Out wide is where the Ox has typically operated for the Three Lions, but, with Jordan Henderson missing the forthcoming games with injury, the Arsenal midfielder is a viable option to replace him.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has played well for the Gunners in that role, and would bring Southgate’s side some much-needed dynamism and creativity from the middle of the pitch.

Verdict: Deserves a go, if fit.

Michael Keane

Southgate called up Keane for the World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia last October, but only after Glen Johnson withdrew.

The Burnley defender was also on the bench for the friendly against Spain, only for Phil Jagielka to be preferred to him as Gary Cahill’s replacement.

Keane deserves a first senior cap, though, not least because Cahill and John Stones are England’s first-choice pairing only by default.

Keane, who has enjoyed an excellent debut season in the Premier League, is a reliable defender and, having come through the Manchester United academy, is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Verdict: Has earned his place.

Ben Gibson

Gibson has impressed in his first season in the Premier League, although his nationality has surely got something to do with Chelsea and Manchester City apparently thinking about spending £30m on him.

Despite being a left-sided, left-footed centre-half – which England lack – the 24-year-old probably won’t be selected ahead of Keane.

Verdict: Not this time.

Danny Welbeck

After two serious knee injuries in as many years, it is understandable that Welbeck is being gently eased back into action at Arsenal.

The sooner the 26-year-old is back for England, though, the better.

Welbeck is an excellent footballer whose temperament and technique make him perfectly suited to international football.

Verdict: Depends on fitness

Phil Jones

Between November and getting injured against Hull in February, Jones was outstanding.

Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he made an inauspicious return in Manchester United’s draw to Bournemouth two weeks ago.

That might have thwarted any chance he had of making a first England appearance since 2015, although he did impress against Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Verdict: An unpopular, but worthwhile option.

What do you make of our selections? Have we left anyone out? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments section below.