Troy Deeney, who has twice rejected Jamaica call-ups, is good enough to realise his dream of representing England, according to Quique Sanchez Flores. The 28-year-old forward played under the now-Espanyol coach for Watford during 2015/16. During the season Deeney scored 13 Premier League goals and won comfortably more headers in the competition than any other player.

" is special," Flores told Omnisport. "I know he's special. He's really lovely. The work of the player at the club is amazing. He knows every one of the players by name - not just the first team, but the academy too.

"He's a good player and the style of this player is very British. I think maybe one day he will be ready for the national team."

John Barnes, Jermaine Jenas, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright are among the many former England internationals who have recently called on Gareth Southgate to summon Deeney.

“When you hear legends saying you should get picked for England, it makes you think it’s a possibility,” said the tigerish Brimingham native, who only made his top-flight debut in 2015. “I hope it is. If my mum got to see me play for England it would be the best feeling in the world.”

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy were the forwards in Southgate’s last England squad, while Wayne Rooney is also able to play up front.

England have taken ten points from a possible 12 in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying, scoring six goals and conceding zero in the process. They lead Group F, two points above Slovenia and four clear of Slovakia.