England’s persistent troubles at left-back could open up a space for Ipswich Town star Leif Davis over the next month.
The 24-year-old has been a key part of the Tractor Boys’ rise from League One to the Premier League, offering a key outlet on the flank.
While penned as a left-back, Leif Davis is often deep in the opposition half, crossing inch-perfect deliveries into the path of his Ipswich teammates.
The former Leeds United man registered 21 assists in the Championship last season, with one already to his name in the Premier League after just three games played.
While there is often a hesitancy to pick players from the second tier for the England national team, playing at the top level could increase the chances of Davis receiving a call-up.
The latest verdict on the left-back situation for the Three Lions from Micah Richards may well give the Ipswich ace even more reason to believe he could be in with a shout of making the October squad.
Micah Richards verdict on England left-back situation
Over the September international break, interim England manager Lee Carsley called up Levi Colwill and Rico Lewis as his only options for the left flank.
While stalwarts Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are out of the picture, it has led Micah Richards to claim that the position is up for grabs.
He said on The Rest is Football Podcast: “I’m looking at left-back as well because Levi Colwill is a very good player who played really well again tonight [against the Republic of Ireland] but he’s not a left-back, he’s a centre-half.
“Luke Shaw is always picking up injuries, I think that left-back spot is up for grabs if someone can really grab it.”
Chelsea star Colwill is traditionally a centre-back, offering less attacking output when featuring from the full-back region.
While this may suit the ability of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, allowing him to roam, there is little going forward.
Manchester City youngster Lewis is slightly different in that he is more likely to invert, offering less width on the pitch.
With Shaw and Chilwell potentially out of proceedings, it offers plenty of hope to Davis in potentially receiving a call-up.
The full-back has shown a clear ability to offer attacking width and would provide a new option to Carsley.
Leif Davis’ England call-up may depend on September form
If Davis is to get the nod in the October international break, a lot of that may depend on his form through the next month.
While clashes against Manchester City and Liverpool were always going to be tough for him and his Ipswich side, the coming fixtures should test where he is at in the top tier.
Matches against Brighton, Southampton, Aston Villa and West Ham all await the Tractor Boys before the next international break.
If Kieran McKenna’s side can impress, along with Davis, then he may be in with a shout of making it into the next England squad.
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