Gareth Southgate says Nathaniel Chalobah’s England call-up is a reflection of his desire to change the manner in which his selection process operates.

The Watford midfielder is yet to start a Premier League game this season – making just a four minute cameo against Spurs – and his only genuine game time has been in the Carabao Cup.

While his lack of outings in the league has been flagged as a concern by some, Southgate, who worked with Chalobah at Under-21 level, says he will not shy away from promoting players with known quality.

He said: “We have to approach it from a different angle now. We can't wait for a player to have two seasons in the Premier League, or be playing every week in his team.

“Nat has more youth caps bar perhaps James Milner, he trained with us in the summer and has had two 90 minutes for Watford in the League Cup or thereabouts. We know the qualities he has.”

Chalobah, 23, was included in Southgate’s England squad last August, before injury plagued the remainder of his season and scuppered any hope of a late World Cup call-up.

The former Chelsea man has continued his recovery to full fitness this season and, while Southgate admits Chalobah may not be 100 per cent ready, the England boss is eager for him to play a part.

He said: "It's maybe a bit early for him physically, but to come and train with us, we believe he can have an impact in the future."