SSN HQ reporter Nick Collins on what happens next for England

By Nick Collins, SSN HQ's chief football reporter

Image: How many of England's line-up against Iceland will be seen at the World Cup?

England's next competitive game is a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava on September 4.

So how differently might that squad look compared to the 23 who went to Euro 2016? The answer is probably very little - the vast majority of players are likely to be retained.

Goalkeepers

Despite a shaky performance at Euro 2016, Joe Hart will expect to be England's No 1 choice. However, a fit-again Jack Butland will start to push him very close. Butland makes no secret of his desire to be No 1, and next season could see a fascinating battle between them. Don't discount Fraser Forster for making a challenge either.

Defenders

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The seven that went to Euro 2016 will all be in contention again, assuming they are playing regularly for their clubs. Kyle Walker and Nathaniel Clyne will again be difficult to choose between at right back. Both played well at this tournament.

Merson's England grades

Paul Merson's Euro 2016 England grades: Joe Hart given F

Left back is interesting, particularly if Manchester United's Luke Shaw can regain full fitness - he was first choice until getting injured. John Stones needs to mount a serious challenge for a central defensive position and this could be his international breakthrough season.

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Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling will expect to come under pressure. From the U21s, Callum Chambers has played before, but first he needs to become a regular.

Midfielders

Will England's new manager want a new midfield? A lot may depend on fitness. Wayne Rooney wants to continue and midfield looks to be where his future lies. His next cap will be his 116th, making him the most-capped outfield player in England's history.

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James Milner barely featured at Euro 2016 and will need a good start at Liverpool to stay in the squad, likewise Everton's Ross Barkley. He was a peripheral figure in France, but is young enough and good enough to come again.

Jack Wilshere will have to stay injury free - a big season for him at club level could really pay dividends for England.

Danny Drinkwater was unlucky to miss out on Euro 2016, he could well force his way into the early-season squads, while Jordan Henderson, like Milner, knows his place could come under pressure.

Image: Marcus Rashford was rarely used at Euro 2016 but he excites Nick Collins

If they are fit and in form then Theo Walcott, Andros Townsend, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might be considered - but Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana remain in pole position. Eric Dier and Dele Alli should continue to be England starting regulars, form and fitness permitting.

From England's Toulon Tournament-winning U21 team, look out for Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek [player of the tournament] and Lewis Baker [golden boot winner with four goals from midfield].

The Chelsea youngster was on loan at Vitesse Arnhem last season. By the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign both could be England regulars.

Former England player Ray Wilkins believes the FA and the new national manager must focus on improving technique

Strikers

Despite an overall disappointing tournament, England's Euro 2016 strikeforce should all be given more opportunities.

It will be interesting to see if Marcus Rashford gets the game time at Manchester United to remain in the squad. I hope he does as the glimpses we saw of him in France looked highly promising.

Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy deserve more opportunities. 27 caps and nine goals between them, a strike-rate of one in three that will surely improve with more international experience. 

England interests Klinsmann

England job interests Jurgen Klinsmann

A fit Daniel Sturridge is always worth considering and once he has finally recovered from his injury, then Danny Welbeck will add to the competition.

The squad doesn't need much transforming, it's the mental attitude that must improve in the knockout stages of major tournaments, so that England do not freeze on the big occasion.

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