These Burnley, Middlesbrough and Saints players could hope to be given a chance to impress in one of Gareth Southgate’s upcoming Three Lions squads.
England u21 manager Gareth Southgate during the press conference
Sam Allardyce’s short-lived time as England manager barely had the chance to get going, but with the news that England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate is set to take charge of the senior national team’s next four matches, there are a number of young players who may fancy their chances of winning a first international call-up.
James Ward-Prose
The Southampton midfielder has long been a key figure in Southgate’s Under-21 plans, and is the current captain at that level. He now has several seasons of Premier League experience under his belt, even if he has struggled to claim a place in Claude Puel’s starting lineup this year.
Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse celebrates scores
Has wonderful ability from set-pieces, something that has been missing in recent years for the senior side, and scored his first goal of the season in the 3-0 win over West Ham.
Nathan Redmond
Another Southampton starlet, like Ward-Prowse, Redmond has been in and around the Under-21 side for years, and has slowly become a more important figure for the group. He is the current leading scorer in Southgate’s squad with nine goals, just one off Saido Berahino who is third in the all time scoring list for that level.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond in action with West Ham United’s Winston Reid
After making his big money move to the Saints this summer, Redmond has seen regular starting time as an striker, but he is also an excellent option out wide.
Ben Gibson
Fresh from scoring his first Premier League goal in the defeat to Spurs last weekend; Gibson saw plenty of minutes under Southgate, who of course was himself a Middlesbrough centre back and manager, and is certain to still have close ties to the club.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson celebrates scoring their first goal
With England struggling to bring through young central defenders, apart from John Stones, Gibson, who has played every minute so far for Boro this season, could get a squad chance. He won every one of his ten Under-21 caps under 46-year-old Southgate.
Michael Keane
The Burnley centre back, like Gibson, is arguably one of the country’s best young prospects in that position, and with the Clarets snubbing big money interest (Guardian) from Leicester this summer for the 23-year-old, it appears plenty of people are aware of it.
Watford’s Troy Deeney in action with Burnley’s Michael Keane
A key figure in Sean Dyche’s defence, Keane also scored in the last round of Premier League fixtures, scoring the second goal in the 2-0 win over Watford. He won 16 Under-21 caps, mostly under Southgate, and scored three goals.
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