It’s a matter of months until the 2018 World Cup gets underway and it can’t come quickly enough.
The managers of the 32 nations who will be competing in Russia this summer have the unenviable task of selecting their squads, knowing that they likely face criticism one way or another over their selections.
For England boss Gareth Southgate, some of his decisions are straightforward. The likes of John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane have done enough for their respective clubs this season to guarantee a seat on the plane.
But it’s not quite so easy in other areas. Who, from Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Fraser Forster, will play in goal? Jack Wilshere hasn’t represented his country since 2016 but he has to be a starter, surely?
Which players start for England when they face Tunisia on June 18, only Southgate can decide.
Sky Sports took a stab at guessing England’s starting line-up back in July, 2015.
To their credit, their predictions actually look very accurate.
GK | Joe Hart
Back in December, Southgate said Hart remains England No.1.
But he isn’t even playing for West Ham United right now and Pickford or Butland appear better options.
RB | Nathaniel Clyne
A back injury has prevented Clyne from making any appearances for Liverpool this season and, even though he’s back in training, Kyle Walker will get the nod.
CB | John Stones
Stones has struggled for Manchester City in recent weeks but he started the season brilliantly and remains Southgate’s best option at the heart of the defence.
CB | Phil Jones
The Manchester United defender doesn’t instil a great deal of confidence and many football fans would prefer to see Harry Maguire or Jamaal Lascelles given an opportunity in England’s upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.
LB | Luke Shaw
The left-back is back in Jose Mourinho’s good books but he faces stiff competition from Danny Rose, and Ryan Bertrand.
CM | Jordan Henderson
He divides opinion like no other but Henderson is here to stay. It seems the Liverpool midfielder is a certainty to start.
CM | Jack Wilshere
Wilshere has bounced back in style at Arsenal after spending last season on loan at Bournemouth and Southgate will pray that he stays fit and in good form.
RW | Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s development under Pep Guardiola has been a joy to watch for England fans. With 20 goals in all competitions, he’s going to be a threat in Russia.
CAM | Ross Barkley
Barkley secured a move to Chelsea in January but it may have hurt his chances of starting for England; he’s made just three appearances for the Blues.
Still, you can expect Barkley to be in the squad.
LW | Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
If the Liverpool man can finish the season strongly, he could be something of a dark horse for the Three Lions.
ST | Harry Kane
Kane has established himself as a world-class player this season, his goalscoring number comparable to the finest strikers in Europe.
It’ll be interesting to see how he fares on the biggest stage in the world.
From 2015: Sky Sports' England team at the 2018 World Cup