The announcement of England's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad is less than a week away, but there is already anticipation as to who Gareth Southgate will select in his initial 30-man squad for the summer.

Whilst the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are guaranteed places on the plane for their current seasonal exploits, and their already-large reputations, there are other spots that are well and truly up for grabs.

The goalkeeping situation is far from being resolved. Southgate has reiterated time after time that Joe Hart's previous tournament experience is vital when it comes to being around the younger goalkeepers in the squad.

Out of the English stoppers in the league, arguably the most in-form is Burnley's Nick Pope, who along with recent England debutant James Tarkowski has helped guide the Clarets to a 7th place finish in the Premier League.

Jordan Pickford has also had a great season for Everton, but the same can't be said for Jack Butland at Stoke, who despite having some good games, has suffered a relegation to the Championship for next season.

The same can be said for defence where John Stones, who is arguably the most talented centre-half the country has, hasn't been playing regularly for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola preferring a partnership of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi.

If Southgate opts to use the three-at-the-back formation that he has been using in the previous few matches, then the top of the field arguably picks itself.

Kane will be the centrepiece of the team, and will more-than-likely be supported by Sterling and Jesse Lingard, both of whom have had tremendous domestic campaigns.

With Southgate opting to give players from so-called 'unfashionable' clubs a chance in previous months, such as Burnley and Swansea City, it gives the hope of several uncapped and young talent that they can make the 30-man squad on the back of impressive 2017/18 performances.

Jamaal Lascelles
And one centre-back who can take advantage of the extended numbers is Newcastle captain Lascelles.

The 24-year old has been majorly impressive throughout the season, with commanding performances and showing brilliant leadership skills, there's no reason as to why he can't form a partnership with the likes of Stones and Leicester's Harry Maguire.

Trent Alexander-Arnold
Another defender who could get in on the back of a fantastic season is Trent Alexander-Arnold.

If the England manager sees Kyle Walker as a centre-back rather than a wing-back, there is a fantastic chance that the in-form Reds teenager will make it, and although he might not displace Kieran Trippier from the number 2 shirt, he would be in the squad on merit.

If Southgate does play the formation expected, then there will be only three attacking-minded players on the pitch to start the game.

That will more than likely limit the numbers of offensive players in the 30-man squad, but there are three youngsters playing in England - and further afield - that more than deserve a mention.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Since arriving at Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been turning heads with his performances in the middle of the park, and whilst only scoring two goals for the Eagles, his all-round creative play has seen him already capped for the Three Lions twice.

With the two central midfield positions far from locked down by any player so far, Loftus-Cheek has a good chance of going to Russia if he impresses on the final game of the Premier League season.

And two exciting young wingers who are plying their trade in the Bundesliga have also thrown their name into the hat for a call-up.

Ademola Lookman
Lookman was unfancied by Everton manager Sam Allardyce, only making seven Premier League appearances in the first half of the season, so he was shipped out to RB Leipzig on loan for the rest of the season, where he has hit four goals in 10 games.

With Everton suffering from a lack of pace and goals this season in the Premier League it was always a strange decision to let the former Charlton man go to Germany for a short spell, but he's proving his worth and no doubt whoever is in charge of Everton next season will cast an eye over him.

Jadon Sancho
Sancho swapped Manchester for Dortmund on a permanent basis last summer, with the German side paying a £8 Million fee for the much-hyped teen.

He was immediately given the number 7 shirt and included in the first-team squad, and made headlines just a few weeks ago after scoring his first goal for the club and gaining two assists in a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, and a call-up would be reminiscent of when Theo Walcott went to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Whoever Southgate does pick in his squad on Wednesday should certainly be there on merit, and it will be very interesting to see if any of the five names mentioned will make the cut.