Three players who should have received a call-up to the England squad
Expectations will be on the rise after England’s stellar World Cup campaign in Russia. Southgate has announced his England squad for the Nations League opener against Spain on September 8 and friendly against Switzerland at home on September 11.
Luke Shaw and Joe Gomez have returned to the Three Lions squad while Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has earned his third call-up. From the World Cup squad, Ashley Young has been left out in favour of Shaw while Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill have told senior management that they do not wish to be selected.
However, there were players who had put forward strong cases for being called up to the national team but it didn’t quite happen. Here are three players who deserved a call-up to the England squad for the upcoming games.
Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
The undisputed first-choice left-back at Leicester City, Chilwell has put in some dazzling displays so far this season.
Chilwell, an attacking left-back, always looks to move forward and provide his team with an outlet from the left. Due to his willingness to support the attacks, the youngster also perfectly fits in a wing-back role.
A player full of energy and always keen to support his teammates in the final third, Chilwell deserved a call-up to the England squad following his excellent start to the new campaign in Leicester colours.
Will Hughes (Watford)
Watford have enjoyed a stunning start to the new Premier League season, winning four out of four games. While the likes of Troy Deeney, Roberto Pereyra and Christian Kabasele have earned a lot of plaudits, the displays of Will Hughes seem to have gone unnoticed, at least as far as Southgate is concerned.
Hughes, 23, was tipped for stardom when he made his debut for Derby County as a 16-year-old. Finally, he is showing the promise in the Premier League and is proving that the hype during his teenage was not just a mere discussion.
The midfielder has made a strong impression so far at Watford, starting every game, and scored against Burnley in the second of the club’s four consecutive victories. A creative midfielder blessed with exceptional technique and body control, Hughes could be the long-term answer to England’s failure to unlock teams at the World Cup.
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth have had a good start to the new Premier League campaign and Callum Wilson has been their stand out player so far.
Wilson’s career has been plagued with injuries but he has started this season looking sharper than ever before. He has played four times, scoring twice and assisting a goal for Eddie Howe’s team.
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Harry Kane is inarguably England’s best centre-forward but he needs support up top against elite nations. Wilson could be an exciting addition to the England line-up and Southgate needs to keep an eye on the Bournemouth hitman next time.