With less than four months to go until Euro 2016, players, fans and managers thoughts are likely to start wandering ahead to early summer. Those involved in the hunt for the title or scrap to avoid relegation may have more important things at the front of their minds, but Roy Hodgson will almost certainly be thinking about the looming Finals.

There are just two friendlies scheduled for the end of March for the Three Lions boss to test players and formations before the tournament begins on June 10. So his face is sure to be seen frequently at Premier League games between now and the end of the season as he scouts around for the best possible names to include in his squad.

While many players are near certainties to make the Finals, a number of positions are still 'up for grabs' both in terms of starting places and backup squad members. In that respect, Hodgson will have his eyes peeled for any emerging talent over the closing weeks of the season.

[ffc-gal cat="manchester-united" no="5"]

Prior to international tournaments, there are quite often previously off the radar players who have late-season surges and find themselves in contention for a seat on the plane.

And Manchester United's Jesse Lingard is doing himself no harm with some fine performances for the Red Devils recently.

His opening goal against Chelsea at the weekend was a sublime bit of skill and a top-class finish, but more than that he has performed admirably when called upon by Louis van Gaal, his strike against the Blues already his third since the start of the year.

In the league, van Gaal's men have predominantly enjoyed a very un-Manchester Utd like campaign so far. They have started to show improvement recently though, and Lingard could be considered an important part in their increased potency going forward.

The tradition of pacey, tricky wide-men at Utd is well known and Lingard certainly fits the bill. A home-grown, academy product, he has impressed more than big money signing Memphis Depay this season, the youngster seemingly unfazed by playing for a club the size of Man United.

The 23-year old from Warrington has also enjoyed some moderate success out on loan for a number of Championship clubs, proving that he can 'rough it' as well as enjoy playing in a side near the top of the Premier League. His impact on this United side will surely not have gone unnoticed by Hodgson.

For a long time now, England have never really solved the wide-positions, utilising many players and attempting different tactics in an effort to find the right balance. Recent efforts have seen Andros Townsend, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott play out there, and even Adam Johnson and Stuart Downing have earned caps. Steven Gerrard was utilised on the left by Capello, whilst players like Joe Cole and James Milner have also been played on the flanks in an effort to solve England's width problem.

Raheem Sterling is probably Roy's first choice to play left-wing in the tournament, but even his starting position may not be guaranteed given his sporadic form for Man City. This right-side is almost certainly up for grabs though and Lingard could fit the bill nicely. Possessing great pace and athleticism, Lingard is equally comfortable on either foot, able to get crosses in or cut inside and shoot.

Having shown the desire and patience to get his chance at Manchester United, he also seems to have a good head on his shoulders and would almost certainly be up for the challenge of playing for his country, having already represented the Three Lions at U17 and U21 levels, fitting in well with the young fluid side Hodgson is building.

He offers England a great alternative to other names in similar positions around the England fold and the fact that he plays for Man United certainly won't do him any harm at all. If he continues to put in the kind of performances he has recently and score goals like the ones against Chelsea or in the 3-3 with Newcastle, he will almost certainly gain the attention of Hodgson and present him with a good alternative to the options already considered.

[ad_pod id='football-survey' align='center']

[ad_pod id='writeforus' align='center']