With the 2018 World Cup on the horizon, England fans will more than likely be experiencing mixed emotions.

On the one hand, it's the bloody World Cup. A great festival of football that dominates the summer.

On the other hand, they're England fans. No matter how many times they sweep through qualification, the tournament shortcomings do not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon following the shock loss to Iceland at Euro 2016.

However, there does appear to be a relative sense of optimism surrounding this Three Lions ensemble, more so under Gareth Southgate than there was under Roy Hodgson, anyway.

With the likes of Harry Kane - officially the deadliest striker in Europe in 2017 - Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling - who has 20 goals this season - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marcus Rashford and a renewed Jack Wilshere, England actually have some of the most exciting players they've been able to select in years.

But it seems like Southgate has got his eye on another exciting talent.

Over in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen's Leon Bailey is lighting up Germany with his electric performances out wide.

The Jamaican-born star, 20, has scored 11 goals in 23 games for the German giants this term and has helped them to third in the league table.

Bailey has represented his country on just one occasion at Under-23 level, scoring in the process.

All of Europe's top clubs are interested in acquiring the dynamic winger with Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly readying offers close to £100 million this summer.

Speaking to Bild earlier this year, Bailey refused to pledge his international future to Jamaica: “It's been like that for years, but my opinion hasn’t changed and people have to accept that,” the attacker, who has nine goals and seven assists to his name this term, told Bild. “Which country I play for is still open.”

So how does he qualify for England? Two of Bailey's grandparents hold English passports and that's a direct route to play for England.

He could also play for Malta, but the chances of Bailey deciding to do that appear slim to none with them ranked 158th in the world and they have never qualified for a major tournament.

Reports have also suggested he could represent Belgium, but after only spending two years with Genk, he'd need to spend another three years in the country to qualify.

Southgate has reportedly sent scouts to watch Bailey in action and and is looking to call him up for the forthcoming friendlies with Holland and Italy.

Southgate is believed to be confident Bailey will opt to play for England, according to The Sun, because the Leverkusen man is good friends with fellow Jamaican-born star Sterling, who has convinced him to play alongside him.