Jordan Henderson is set to miss out on selection in England's provisional Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate - with a surprise name in line to replace him.
The 34-year-old started the 2023/24 season with Liverpool, but left to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq before the Premier League campaign began.
After six months in Saudi Arabia, he ended his contract by mutual consent before moving to Eredivisie giants Ajax.
Advert
Southgate had assured Henderson that his place in the England squad was secure at the beginning of the season, and he continued to be selected in squads despite his move away from European football.
He was named in the England squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March, but withdrew due to injury.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, uncapped Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is expected to replace his former Reds captain, while a host of other uncapped players are set to make the cut.
Advert
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is expected to be named as England's third-choice goalkeeper, despite a difficult run of form at Turf Moor which saw him replaced by Arijanet Muric during the second part of the campaign.
Jones has been a regular fixture in the Liverpool side this season when available, and has made 23 Premier League appearances this term.
The midfielder enjoyed an excellent run of form towards the end of the 2022/23 season, but is still yet to make his Three Lions debut and could now do so in friendlies against Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in June.
Advert
Trafford, meanwhile, was called up as an injury replacement for the March friendlies, but hasn't played a game of club football since then.
He won the U21 European Championships with England last season, and has been labelled as a star of the future, with Burnley paying £19 million to sign him from Manchester City last summer after his impressive form on loan with League One side Bolton.
England squad: Which other players will be selected?
The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel has reported that Crystal Palace quartet Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Dean Henderson and Adam Wharton will all be picked after a stellar end to the campaign at Selhurst Park.
Henderson spent most of the early stages of the campaign as second-choice goalkeeper behind Sam Johnstone after signing for the club from Manchester United.
Advert
However, injury to Johnstone in February allowed the 27-year-old to take the gloves, and he recorded four clean sheets in the final seven games of the season for Oliver Glasner's side.
Guehi has been a regular in Southgate's England squads, although his participation at Euro 2024 was in doubt for some time after he suffered a knee injury in February.
But the Chelsea academy graduate proved his fitness by playing 76 minutes in Palace's 5-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the season.
Eze, meanwhile, picked up two caps for the Three Lions last year and scored 11 goals in 27 appearances this term - his highest-ever Premier League career tally.
Advert
Uncapped midfielder Wharton joined Palace from Championship side Blackburn in January, with the 20-year-old impressing Southgate with his passing range and ability to make driving runs forward since his arrival at Selhurst Park.
It has also been said that Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill is also set to be included, with the 21-year-old having the added advantage of being able to play at left-back amid an England injury crisis in that area.
Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell and Reece James are facing a race to be fit in time for Euro 2024 ahead of England's opening game on June 16 - with Chilwell reportedly set to miss out on the squad.
West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite - who is also uncapped despite being selected in March's squad - are also set to be named by Southgate later today.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will also keep his place after impressing during March's friendlies.
And Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah is also set to be named, with Southgate keen to add defensive depth to his squad amid injury issues.
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Football, Gareth Southgate, Jordan Henderson, Liverpool, Crystal Palace