With the international break fast approaching, Gareth Southgate is preparing to name his England squad, and one player who will be waiting in anticipation is Alex McCarthy.

The Southampton goalkeeper is being touted to make Southgate's selection, and his club manager Mark Hughes is backing him to get the nod.

The Breakdown

Speaking on McCarthy's chances of making the next England squad, Hughes told the Southern Daily Echo: "He’s in good form and if he’s picked he won’t let anybody down.

"Technically Gareth will know he’s a very accomplished keeper so if he gets the call I see no reason he won’t impress people once he gets there."

After his exploits in the recent World Cup in Russia, Everton's Jordan Pickford will be England's undisputed No.1 going forward.

However, with Nick Pope injured and Jack Butland underperforming massively in the Championship with Stoke City, there is a passage into the England set up for  McCarthy.

McCarthy has improved leaps and bounds since dislodging Fraser Forster as Southampton's No.1 last season having initially arrived at St. Mary's from Crystal Palace back in 2016 to provide cover.

McCarthy, though, is now firmly ahead Forster in Hughes thinking and looks set to stay there having so far seen off competition from Angus Gunn, who signed from Manchester City in the summer to give the former Stoke City manager another goalkeeper option.

Competition for a goalkeeper spot in the England squad is set to be fierce both now and in the future but, in this moment of time, McCarthy is definitely an option Southgate should be considering.