7 Left Backs in the Running to Be Named in England's 2018 World Cup Squad
A number of spots in England's first-team will be up for grabs ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Manager Gareth Southgate has been shuffling the pack in his recent Three Lions squads as he continues to search for his best XI.
The left back position is up for contention and there are a number of contenders to be considered for a place on the plane to Russia.
Here are seven players who could be in the running to be England's left back for the World Cup this summer...
7. Luke Shaw
Poor Luke Shaw just can't catch a break at Manchester United. Since making his move to Old Trafford in 2014, the once highly coveted England starlet has had to contend with constant injuries, including a horrible double leg fracture in 2015 which kept him out for eight months.
This season Shaw has been under direct criticism from manager Jose Mourinho, which is verging on the point of bullying according to some reports.
Shaw looks exit-bound at Manchester United, and may have to wait until he finds a new club to revive his England career.
Chances of playing: 5/10
6. Ryan Bertrand
Among the names featured here, Southampton's Ryan Bertrand is perhaps the only one who has been a regular starter for his club at left back.
The 28-year-old has only missed three league games for the Saints this season and has been one of the most consistent players for the club in a difficult season.
Chances of playing: 7/10
5. Leighton Baines
An experienced option, 34-year-old Leighton Baines has racked up 30 caps for England during his career.
Baines have proven to be a dependable left back for Everton for over 10 years now and is capable defensively and in attack.
Gareth Southgate's decision to omit Gary Cahill from his most recent England squad could suggest that the England boss is looking to the next generation of Three Lions defenders.
However, Baines could be an experienced back-up option who could be considered if he has a strong, injury-free end to the season.
Chances of playing: 4/10
4. Danny Rose
If we were to judge this on the last two seasons, Danny Rose would be the firm favourite to be England's first choice left back in the summer.
Rose was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2016 and 2017 and became a pivotal part of Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham squad.
A nine-month injury layoff, coupled with rumours of discontent at Spurs behind the scenes, has meant that Rose has had to battle for his place in the starting lineup and has often played second fiddle to Ben Davies.
Despite his troubles, Rose is a great player on his day and Gareth Southgate will surely want his best options available to him in his World Cup squad.
Chances of playing: 8/10
3. Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph's career at Manchester City has been rejuvenated thanks to his recent conversion to left back.
Injury to Benjamin Mendy forced Delph to fill in in this unfamiliar role. But he has made it his own and adapted well to the new position.
Delph established himself as a regular starter during City's record-breaking start to the season. The 28-year-old started 14 of the 18 league matches City won consecutively earlier this term.
Delph has not featured for England since 2015. As a left back option, he stands a decent chance of being recalled to the Three Lions.
Chances of playing: 6/10
2. Ainsley Maitland-Niles
A long shot for a place on the plane to Russia is Arsenal's young prospect Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Left back is probably not Maitland-Niles' natural position, but the same can be said of other contenders on this list.
When called upon this season, the 20-year-old has put in some very composed performances that show he could be one for the future at the Gunners.
It's probably one World Cup too early for Maitland-Niles, but he is certainly one to watch.
Chances of playing: 2/10
1. Ashley Young
Like Fabian Delph, a position change to left back has breathed new life into the career of Ashley Young.
The 32-year-old's conversion into a more defensive role has made Young one of Jose Mourinho's most reliable players at Manchester United. He has even been rewarded with a contract extension, with the Red Devils activating a one-year extension to his current deal.
Young could prove to be a handy utility player for Gareth Southgate. Capable of playing anywhere on the left hand side, the Red Devils Star could see his best performances for England come in defence.
Chances of playing: 8/10