LEEDS United manager Daniel Farke has thrown down the gauntlet to Jayden Bogle and James Justin to stake their England claims ahead of this summer's World Cup - and has challenged several other international candidates to do the same.
United's excellent form during their winter renaissance has seen the club pull away from imminent danger at the bottom of the Premier League and a number of players have contributed greatly during an impressive squad effort.
Among that number are Bogle and Justin, with much discussion also previously centring on the credentials of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Justin was previously capped by the Three Lions at senior level during his time at former club Leicester City in June 2022.
RISING FORCE: James Justin was no more than a Leeds United back-up when they beat Chelsea in December, now he is one of their most in-form players (Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
RISING FORCE: James Justin was no more than a Leeds United back-up when they beat Chelsea in December, now he is one of their most in-form players (Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Good performances in this evening's home encounter against title-chasing Manchester City would potentially mark the card of Thomas Tuchel ahead of March’s international break. England welcome Uruguay in a friendly on March 27 and host Japan four days later.
Asked about the prospects of Bogle and Justin getting into the thoughts of Tuchel, Farke said: "Yes. It's up to Thomas with Jayden and James.
"James Justin already has an England cap; he was praised a lot when he was younger. Each player who delivers with consistency has a chance.
"If you deliver on Premier League level, the best league in the world with consistency and show performances like this and shine more or less whenever you play - week in, week out - and are always one of the central players, I think every player has chances in each national team.
Leeds United's Jayden Bogle celebrates scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.placeholder image
Leeds United's Jayden Bogle celebrates scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.
"We have seen it more or less like this with Noah Okafor. For a special amount of time, he was out of the squad for Switzerland. Sadly, he got this injury, but he was also pretty much 'back' in the squad. They spoke publicly about it.
"Anton Stach (is) definitely in Germany's (thoughts) and Lukas Nmecha is probably the same. We have also have English players, of course.
"What Jayden and JJ have done is outstanding with the level of performances they have delivered.
"I back my players. For all of them, the sky is the limit and I would always back them to play an important role once they are on the plane.
"What I can definitely confirm is that whoever, from our players, sits on a plane to the US for any national team, you get a top, top character, a top, top team player and a top fit player.
"This is also quite important for a squad and then it's up to the national team coaches to decide what they need."
The reverse fixture with City at the Etihad Stadium has been widely viewed as the turning point in the season of United.
While a late goal gave the hosts’ a 3-2 win, Leeds' comeback from a 2-0 interval deficit and successful switch in formation was the precursor to a restorative seven-match unbeaten run.
Offering his own take, Farke said: "We had many good results and good performances before this game. Also, we had the belief in our group, spirit and fitness level and the capability to change base formations (before).
"Of course, this was a bit of a spotlight game because the difference between the first and second half was big. It was obviously a game at Man City against one of the best sides in the world and we were pretty good in the second half.
"But not much has changed since this. The only thing is more or less that we have grown into the season."