GARETH SOUTHGATE is reportedly considering a shock call up to shake up his backline ahead of England’s next camp.

According to The Athletic, the England manager is looking to bring Brighton captain Lewis Dunk back into the frame.

The 31-year-old only has one cap to his name which he earned back in 2018 during a 3-0 victory over the United States.

But he has had an exceptional season leading the Seagulls to European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

The Three Lions will play both Malta and North Macedonia next month as they try and further cement their authority over Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Dunk could be in consideration as a result of the short turn around that John Stones and Kyle Walker are likely to face following Manchester City’s participation in the Champions League final.

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But it will mainly be down to the superb form of the 31-year-old, who has been ever-present in Brighton’s side in the League this season.

Dunk has been in for high praise by his manager, Roberto De Zerbi, this season who thinks he could be one of the top five defenders in Europe.

When asked about the key to Brighton’s success earlier in the season, he said: “The secret, however, is in the core of the dressing room. People like Dunk, for me he is one of the top five central defenders in Europe.”

The towering centre-back was in contention for a spot in England’s World Cup squad last year when he was named in Southgate’s provisional 55-man shortlist.

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But he was unable to secure his place on the plane to Qatar with the likes of Harry Maguire and Connor Coady picked ahead of him.

Southgate’s squad announcement is due to take place at 2pm on Wednesday 24 March.

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