After Burnley’s Michael Keane replaced Stoke City’s Glen Johnson for England, here are five more players from the bottom-half who are in line for a call-up.
Following an injury to Stoke City defender Glen Johnson, who himself was a shock call-up, caretaker England manager Gareth Southgate has turned to Burnley centre-half Michael Keane to fill this void.
With that in mind, here are five more players who could be in line for an England call-up after excellent starts to the season.
Adam Smith, AFC Bournemouth
While Smith followed a long trend of Tottenham Hotspur youth academy products being farmed out on loan, he appears to have found his feet in a big way at Bournemouth. Smith has excelled at right-back after a series of impressive performances, including clean sheets against what was an in-form Everton and West Bromwich Albion, as well as a goal against Manchester United.
Bournemouth’s Adam Smith in action with Everton’s Bryan Oviedo
Sam Clucas, Hull City
While Hull City’s recent Premier League form has tailed off, much of their early impetus can be put at the feet of defensive midfielder Sam Clucas. The 26-year-old has shown outstanding awareness in the middle of the park, breaking down play with regular tackles and interceptions, as well as distributing the ball sensibly and accurately.
Hull City’s Sam Clucas in action with Chelsea’s Diego Costa
Curtis Davies, Hull City
Another who has been outstanding for the Tigers this season is Curtis Davies. Now 31, he could feel aggrieved not to have been called up in previous years but his solid displays in the first few games this season certainly merit serious consideration – especially considering the fact that nobody really knows what England’s best centre-back pairing is.
Adam Forshaw, Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s Adam Forshaw, having made his name as a pugnacious yet classy midfielder in the Championship, is now exhibiting exactly those traits in the top flight. While Middlesbrough have not won since August, Forshaw has yet to tire and it is his determination and steel which could see him sneak into an England midfield.
Troy Deeney, Watford
Last but not least is Troy Deeney, Watford’s gargantuan skipper. Having bossed Manchester United and West Ham United this season, Deeney can count himself seriously unlucky to have been overlooked in Harry Kane’s absence, and even more so after Wayne Rooney’s disastrous early-season form.
Watford’s Troy Deeney celebrates scoring their first goal
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