This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Tom Davies has become an integral part of Aidy Boothroyd's England U21s over the past year. The Everton man wore the captain's armband for the Young Lions back in September and he now has 16 appearances and one goal for them.

Now, with the Boothroyd putting together another star-studded squad - one which Davies has been included in - the Everton academy product has the chance to catch the eye of Gareth Southgate. The likes of Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden are just a few names on the list who the England boss will surely be watching.

However, with 95 appearances for Everton under his belt now, Davies is the one Southgate should be keeping a close eye on. The 21-year-old has an opportunity to enjoy a long spell in the Everton team after the injury to Andre Gomes.

Plus, despite the club's poor form, the Toffees man has a chance to prove his worth to both the England boss and Marco Silva over the coming months.

Over the past few years, England youngsters have flourished and made the step up from U21 to senior level, with Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham some recent examples of players who have stepped up in class.

Those players all graduated from Boothroyd's squad and it's fair to assume that the youth team manager is constantly in communication with Southgate regarding players he believes have the potential to play at the elite level.

Should Davies, who is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, put in a shift and impress with the Young Lions, he could put his name into the back of Southgate's mind.

Now, he also his chance to take the opportunity to become Everton's main man in the absence of Gomes and that will only bolster his international aspirations.

And a string of fine performances could well put himself into contention for Euro 2020, even if he is an outside shout at this stage in the season.

The midfield spot has become an area for England where the coaching staff have chopped and changed. Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley and Declan Rice are just a few who have stepped into the centre lately.

Now, with Fabian Delph also receiving a call-up, there is no reason why Davies cannot make his stamp on the squad as well.