Manchester City's form may see their representation in the England squad reduced to just one player as Thomas Tuchel unveils his first Three Lions squad this week.
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Some of City's stars are about to get a reality check
Some of City's stars are about to get a reality check
England squads used to be dominated by Manchester City players.
Two defenders with another forcing his way in, a midfielder who found better form for his country than for City, and two forwards who are fan favourites for the Three Lions.
Now, there is a realistic chance that the first squad of 2025 will only have one player in it from a choice of six. Only one of those looking set for a free international break is enforced as John Stones is injured.
Phil Foden is slowly coming back to form for Pep Guardiola's side and given his talent he is surely set to be a key part of Thomas Tuchel's new regime.
Tuchel has been watching games over the last three months so will know all about Foden's ups and downs this season. He will also know what has been happening to City's other English players.
Jack Grealish hasn't started a Premier League game since December 21 so surely is not in contention, unless Tuchel wants to take a look at him depending on the system he intends to introduce. Similarly, Rico Lewis has dropped to second choice at full-back behind midfielder Matheus Nunes.
In a competitive right-back field, Lewis may have to wait for a chance to make a first impression with Tuchel. Maybe an Under-21 camp with Lee Carsley will help him rediscover some rhythm in a more familiar environment for Lewis to boost both his club and country fortunes.
Then there are the City players who have decided a loan is their best options to salvage their international careers. Kalvin Phillips has largely gone under the radar at Ipswich despite finally playing regularly - although he's another who faces plenty of competition in a key position.
And will Kyle Walker have done enough by jumping ship to AC Milan to have caught Tuchel's attention? He has been in and out of the Milan side through form and injury, following a poor first half of the season at City. Walker is one of England's best-ever defenders, but could find himself left behind as a new era begins.
Tuchel could have taken over Manchester United this season but (probably wisely) opted for the England job. His squad selection will be a clear indicator of how he wants to move forward and the City influence that Gareth Southgate relied upon is no longer guaranteed.
Friday's squad announcement could show the scale of the task ahead for the likes of Foden and Lewis, plus the injured Stones, as he watches from afar. It could also potentially end the international careers of Grealish, Walker and Phillips.