Gareth Southgate has run the rule over Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Forshaw as he considers his England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland and the Spain friendly.

England caretaker manager Southgate watched Middlesbrough’s victory over Bournemouth last Saturday, with midfielder Jack Wilshere and defender Ben Gibson of particular interest to him.

But Telegraph Sport can reveal Southgate was also keen to watch Forshaw as he weighs up his midfield options for the games against Scotland and Spain at Wembley.

Southgate was short of central midfield options for the double-header against Malta and Slovenia last month, with Wilshere, Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley all missing out.

Wilshere and Drinkwater have returned to fitness, while Barkley pressed his claim for a recall by scoring against West Ham United, which could mean Forshaw has to wait for his chance.