England's goalkeeping conundrum

Here, we assess Gareth Southgate's options between the sticks.

Joe Hart (West Ham)

With 75 caps to his name it would be easy to assume that Hart is the obvious choice to be England's go-to goalkeeper this summer. However, the former Shrewsbury Town man has suffered a frustrating two years of action, first on loan in Serie A with Torino and now with West Ham. This season, Hart has lost his place in the starting lineup to Adrian San Miguel, starting just one league game since November. To make matters worse, Hart has kept just three Premier League clean sheets this campaign, less than the likes of Pickford, Butland, Pope and even Forster. In an England shirt, his mistakes at Euro 2016 remain fresh in the mind, with many starting to wonder whether Hart should be in the squad at all given his recent form, let alone first choice.

Jordan Pickford (Everton)

The Everton stopper has just a single 'Three Lions' cap to his name, but has been earmarked as a long-term successor for Hart. Following a big-money summer move form Sunderland the 24-year-old has shown glimpses of his ability but has arguably suffered by playing behind an ever-changing defence. Nevertheless, Pickford has seven Premier League clean sheets to his name so far this season, whilst his tally of 95 saves and 104 catches outstrip any other goalkeeper on this list, though only Butland has conceded more (51 to Pickford's 50) Finally, Pickford has also played by far the most minutes of any England hopeful, having been ever-present for the 'Toffees' in the league this season.

Jack Butland (Stoke City)

Butland's international career has been stalled by Hart's presence in recent years, with the Stoke man making just six appearances so far for his country. A couple of serious injuries kept him out of the game for long spells but he has since proved his fitness and re-claimed the gloves at the bet365 stadium. However, with Stoke struggling in the Premier League, Butland has conceded more goals (51) than any other potential England star. That hasn't stopped Butland from being linnked with a summer move though, with Liverpool reportedly keeping a very close eye on Stoke's situation.

Tom Heaton (Burnley)

The Burnley goalkeeper has missed the majority of the season with a shoulder injury and whilst he has only claimed three England caps, he had been considered a shoe-in for the England squad as third-choice 'keeper following a string of impressive performances for the 'Clarets' last season. Heaton is expected to return before the end of the season, meaning that he could still stake a late claim for a place.

Nick Pope (Burnley)

Heaton's misfortune provided Pope with a chance to shine and he has taken it in breathtaking style. The little-known former Charlton man has kept 10 Premier League clean sheets this season and conceded just 22 goals, better stats than any other English goalkeeper.

Fraser Forster (Southampton)

Having previously been a regular member of England squad, the former Newcastle and Celtic man's chances of going to the World Cup appear to be over after he was leapfrogged in the Southampton pecking order by Alex McCarthy. 6´7" Forster has not started a league game since Boxing Day and does not look like getting his place back any time soon. Previously seen as a fans' favourite, a series of goals where he could arguably have done better left question marks over his goalkeeping, with it now looking extremely unlikely that he will ever have the chance to add to his 6 England caps.