Already two points clear at the top of World Cup qualification Group F, England head into games against Malta and Slovakia knowing two more wins would take them to the brink of a place at next year's finals in Russia.

Gareth Southgate's side visit Malta in Ta' Qali on Friday (1st September) before hosting Slovakia at Wembley Stadium three days later.

The squad for the two qualifiers includes two players hoping to make their full international debuts - Harry Maguire and Nathaniel Chalobah - while one of the team's veterans is a notable absentee.

Wayne Rooney was in line to receive a call-up from Southgate following a successful start to the new season for Everton, but England's all-time leading goal scorer instead opted to retire from international football.

Defoe can provide experience up front in place of Rooney, although Harry Kane is expected to lead the side's attacking line, with Raheem Sterling and Jamie Vardy vying for roles alongside the Tottenham Hotspur man.

England currently sit two points clear of Slovakia at the top of Group F on 14 points, with Slovenia third on 11 points and Malta bottom of the six-team standings with six defeats from as many games.