If I had to put money on one of Gallagher, Guehi, or Mitchell being in or even starting a game in next season's World Cup, I'd put it on Mitchell. Gallagher may be thereabouts but he's not a natural Southgate player and competition in midfield is fierce. Guehi will bed in, but I think his real England future be after the World Cup. He's being blooded now for the long-term.

All that being the case, I fear Mitchell is going to be an incredibly hot commodity this summer, although I also suspect that we'll get another year out of him before he departs. That works well for us. The transfer market will likely be a little muted this summer because of the World Cup: why buy players for a fortune now who are then going to disappear mid-October in what was always going to be a disrupted season?

By the same token, transfer markets in the years after World Cups always see prices ridiculously inflated as teams over-pay chasing the next generation of hot commodities who've briefly and suddenly made their mark at the tournament. If Mitchell goes to Quatar and plays, it'll add millions to his value. The time to sell him isn't now. If we have to sell him at all.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

Totally agree about Guehi. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the squad but I think he's a bedrock for the next (post-World Cup) team. If he goes, and he might because I think Southgate has plans for him, it'll be for experience. Gallagher, I agree will go because frankly, the way he's playing there'd be an uproar if he didn't. But Southgate won't let him near his first choice eleven. At best, he'll be an impact sub. He's a victim of Southgate's tactics and lack of imagination. But I have to say, I think Mitchell is a real dark horse. Injuries or not, every week he's looking more and more the part. I think this week will have helped him with Southgate more than most. What he is is reliable, unflappable, he doesn't make mistakes, and he learns quickly from experience. Like Guehi, I think he has qualities that Southgate really values. You're right, there are others in the mix at his position but like I said, for me, he's a real dark horse.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

Looks like it could be Mitchell vs Zaha tonight that could be fun hehehe

I agree

Don't know about you, but, for me, this will be the only reason to watch this non-event game tonight.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

Presumably injured. Any update on Olise?