The Premier League still has just a week left to run but excitement is already building for this summer's World Cup.
A number of nations have already announced their squads but for England, Friday is the big day as Thomas Tuchel reveals the 26-man group tasked with trying to bring home the Jules Rimet trophy.
While some players' inclusions are a formality, others face a nervous wait to see if they have made the cut.
This weekend has provided some of those on the cusp one final opportunity to show why they should be on the plane.
So who has really staked their claim and given Tuchel something to think about?
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw has started every Premier League game for Manchester United this season [Getty Images]
Luke Shaw won the last of his 34 England caps in the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.
That the Manchester United full-back missed the vast majority of the 2024-25 season through injury – featuring in only seven league games – has certainly not helped his cause.
In his absence, Lewis Hall and Nico O'Reilly have emerged as strong options at left-back while Myles Lewis-Skelly also impressed when given an opportunity.
However, with Shaw back to fitness and, crucially for a player who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, has managed to remain available throughout the season, starting every league game for United.
His smartly-taken goal – his first in the Premier League since January 2023 – against Nottingham Forest was a timely reminder of the former Southampton man's quality.
After such a long time out of the picture, a recall for Shaw would be something of a surprise but having played a key role in helping England to two major tournament finals, that sort of experience might be very appealing to Tuchel.
"I haven't got much sway in the matter at all, but I certainly think so," United boss Carrick said when asked if Shaw deserved an international recall.
"Again, the consistency, just what he's capable of doing. The performance, the experience, his strengths, his attributes that he's got.
"He's a fantastic full-back. I think between them, I think [Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire] have done their chances no harm recently for sure."
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Morgan Gibbs-White has scored 14 Premier League goals this season [Getty Images]
Morgan Gibbs-White has enjoyed a superb season with his excellent first-time finish at Manchester United his 14th Premier League goal of the campaign.
While Nottingham Forest struggled for much of the season, their captain has consistently chipped in with crucial goals and assists that have, ultimately, helped them move clear of the relegation zone.
With nine goals and two assists in all competitions since the start of March, Gibbs-White is also a man in form.
But having been excluded from the past two England squads, will it be enough for the ex-Wolves midfielder to make the 26?
Competition in his position could hardly be fiercer with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer among the options to play in that more advanced midfield role.
Gibbs-White's form is a match for any of them but whether Tuchel will turn to him ahead of any of those big-name players remains to be seen.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Adam Wharton won the last of his four England caps in March [Getty Images]
Crystal Palace may already have one eye on the Conference League final but Adam Wharton helped them keep ticking over in the league with a draw at Brentford.
The left-footed playmaker scored his first Palace goal with a low strike from the edge of the box before surprising those watching on with a backflip celebration.
It was certainly eye-catching and Wharton will be hoping that his performance drew the gaze of Tuchel.
While the former Blackburn man, 22, has been linked with a big-money move to any number of top clubs, he has been limited to just four England caps since making his debut in June 2024.
Injuries certainly been a factor in that and the fact he has been in the past two squads suggests Wharton was firmly in the mix, even before his maiden Premier League goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored four goals in 12 games for England [Getty Images]
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another player who has struggled with injuries over the years.
There is little doubt that had been available more consistently, Everton would not have allowed him to leave on a free transfer as they did last summer.
But Calvert-Lewin has rebuilt his reputation during an excellent first season with Leeds that saw his earn an England recall in March.
Meanwhile, his dramatic winner against Brighton was his 14th league goal of the campaign and a seat on the plan to the US remains a distinct possibility.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Calvert-Lewin stuck at it and got there before the keeper. It's a really tight angle and he puts it in with his left foot.
"People questioned his signing but that's 15 goals this season [in all competitions] for him and now people are talking about him potentially being involved in England's World Cup squad."
Asked whether he is expecting a World Cup call-up, Calvert-Lewin told BBC Sport: "It will be a busy summer anyway as I've got a two-and-a-half year old."
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad [Getty Images]
If Calvert-Lewin does miss out, it may be because Ollie Watkins has forced his way back into the squad.
The Aston Villa striker was left out of the most recent England squad after a run of only one goal in nine league games.
But it is a completely different story now with Watkins having bagged nine goals since the beginning of April.
He ran Liverpool ragged on Friday, scoring twice, and if anyone knows how to play the role of back-up to Harry Kane, it is the man who did so to great effect at Euro 2024.
Watkins' last-minute semi-final winner against the Netherlands will live long in the memory of England fans, he'll be hoping to have the chance to create a few more this summer.
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