SEAN Dyche believes five Burnley players should be in the forefront of England boss Gareth Southgate’s mind.

Nick Pope is almost certain to part of the Three Lions squad for the friendlies against Italy and Denmark at the end of the month as the build-up continues to Euro 2020.

And Southgate was in attendance for the Clarets’ 0-0 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday on a day where it was the Burnley backline that caught the eye.

Dyche highlighted Charlie Taylor, James Tarkowski and Ben Mee as players who could figure in the national manager’s thinking while Dwight McNeil, who is part of the Under-21 group and has trained with the senior squad, is working his way into contention.

While talking up his players’ prospects, the Clarets boss appreciates that some are more likely to get the nod than others.  

Asked about Taylor’s chances, he said: “I think he should be in the background of some of the players who are out there I feel.

“I don't know whether they monitor him, I speak to Gareth but I don't speak about the players but I think Charlie is a player who continues to improve in the Premier League.

"I think Dwight McNeil should at least be around the thinking, not necessarily in the squad or starting but in the thinking.

“Tarky is a definite for me and Ben would be another one but I think he (Southgate) is looking beyond that now.

“Popey, well 11 clean sheets isn't a bad marker when you are playing for a side like Burnley in the Premier League.

“I think that is top (individually) in the division so I think that is a fair marker of him and the team.”

With the Under-21s playing one of their games at Turf Moor – against Turkey on Monday, March 30 – McNeil looks set to feature for Aidy Boothroyd’s side as the star attraction on home soil.

Two-cap Tarkowski is in fine form while defensive partner Mee is also impressing but as Dyche alludes to, having turned 30, Southgate looks likely to elect against handing him a first senior international appearance.

Taylor continues to push his claim but has competition from Ben Chilwell and Danny Rose, the latter lining up against him for Newcastle on Saturday.

As for Pope, with Jordan Pickford’s position as England No.1 under intense scrutiny after some patchy form for Everton, he will be looking further than simply making the Euro 2020 squad.