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Gareth Southgate is checking on Wolves skipper Conor Coady ahead of a potential England call-up.

Coady has been hugely impressive in his newly-promoted club's start to their Premier League campaign, catching the eye of the Three Lions' manager.

It could see Southgate call the 25-year-old up for England’s next friendly, against the United States in November, as he and his staff look for different defensive options.

Coady, who has worn the Three Lions up through the age groups, is currently the only English defender playing in the middle of a back three, and his long passing stats are only beaten by Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves and Manchester United's Paul Pogba.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Southgate has had his eye on the former Liverpool youngster for a while, but was keen to see how he coped with life in the top flight.

Interestingly, Coady’s career has mirrored Southgate’s own — they were promoted to the top flight at the same age, both got converted from midfield to defence and captained their club.

Southgate is increasingly worried about England-eligible players getting enough game time although defence has not been such an issue as there is strong competition for places there.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

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John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Joe Gomez look nailed down for places, but James Tarkowski struggled in this month's friendly with Switzerland.

It could lead to Southgate calling up Coady, albeit waiting until the next friendly for more experiments rather than do it in next month’s double-header away to both Croatia and Spain in the Nations League.

Coady made just a single 89th minute sub appearance for Liverpool in the Premier League before moving to Huddersfield in 2014, and then Wolves a year later.