Six out-of-favour England stars who need January transfer to boost World Cup hopes

View 4 Images

England’s World Cup qualifying campaign comes to an end during this international break. And it represents one of the final chances for some players to make an impression on boss Thomas Tuchel .

The German coach will already have his certainties in mind for his squad including captain Harry Kane , goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice . And barring any injuries, that trio should be sure of their places in the squad.

But it appears time is now running out for any potential challengers. Some will certainly be aiming to force themselves into the reckoning over the coming months.

Some players find themselves in the unfortunate position of receiving very little football at their current clubs and with the January transfer window on the horizon, they might be tempted to make a move very soon.

With that being said, Mirror Football takes a look at those players who could be in the squad but only if they manage to find new clubs sooner rather than later.

The former Chelsea man enjoyed a standout first season with Atletico Madrid but has fallen out of favour over recent weeks. Gallagher, 25, has only started two league games so far this season, often being restricted to appearances off of the bench.

And that has had a devastating impact on his England prospects, having not been included in each of the past two squads. Gallagher has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past and a switch might get his Three Lions career back on track.

View 4 Images

Who do you think should be in the England squad for the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below

At the age of 22, Aston Villa star Harvey Elliott was meant to have found his fresh start in the Midlands, having joined Villa on loan from Liverpool . But the switch has not quite worked out as intended.

Elliott has so far only made four Premier League appearances totalling 97 minutes of action. If he is to force himself into Tuchel’s thinking, another switch might be for the best for the former Fulham man.

It’s fair to say that Sterling’s move to Chelsea has turned into a disaster. The 82-time England international is not fancied by boss Enzo Maresca, who left the winger out of his Premier League squad.

Sterling was unable to find a new club this summer , having spent last season on loan with Premier League rivals Arsenal . A move is not only a necessity for Sterling’s England prospects but for his career in all.

View 4 Images

Speaking of disasters, Phillips’ time with Manchester City has been pretty awful so far. Firmly a member of the England squad upon his move to the Etihad, the midfielder has seen his international career evaporate since.

Phillips has already attempted to get his career back on track with loan moves to West Ham and Ipswich Town but they have also gone without much acclaim. A permanent switch away from City seems to be the only route to Phillips restoring his reputation.

Sticking with midfielders, Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo has gone from one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe to one who is only being given odd minutes here and there. Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim and has subsequently been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Serie A side Napoli have emerged as potential contenders as they consider reuniting Mainoo with former teammate Scott McTominay. A switch could breathe new life into his World Cup push.

View 4 Images

It’s been a truly bizarre few months for goalkeeper James Trafford. The England man shone last season for Burnley , helping the Clarets to promotion with a record run of clean sheets.

And he appeared to have the perfect chance to establish himself as a Premier League regular with a return to Man City. But shortly after he arrived, the club chose to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma , with Trafford now finding himself as a back-up. A temporary move might be an option for him.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.