Day of destiny
From Back Page recovering from a groin operation.
Kalvin Phillips is also set to be included, having told Southgate he is close to returning to full fitness after missing most of the season with a shoulder problem.
But Southgate could name an extra midfielder at the expense of a defender to provide cover for Phillips, whose lack of action remains a concern.
Favourite to get the nod is Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, with Southgate reluctant to recall James Maddison, who has not been named in a squad since 2019.
Marcus Rashford will be included following his return to form along with his Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire.
And Southgate is also expected to select Callum Wilson as back-up striker to captain Harry Kane.
Southgate did not attend a Carabao Cup game last night and refused to tell those not picked in case it affected their club performances in their third-round fixtures.
James said he was devastated to miss out on his first World Cup due to a knee injury sustained against AC Milan last month.
The Blues star was ruled out following a telephone conversation with Southgate, who wasn’t willing to risk taking him.
James said: “The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight.
“I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon.”
The England squad flies to Qatar on Tuesday ahead of their opening game against Iran on November 21.