'Still chance for Gibbs-White to stake claim' for World Cup inclusion
[BBC] [PA Media] The results of England's games against Uruguay and Japan might not mean much, but Thomas Tuchel and the rest of the watching public will have learned a few things. Injuries and withdrawals made the performances unbalanced and disjointed, which certainly cemented places for some of the likely starting XI. Nottingham Forest will almost definitely have an England starter this summer in Elliot Anderson.
The midfielder's statistics have become slightly ridiculous this season, his numbers topping numerous charts for passing, tackles, duels and interceptions in the Premier League and across Europe. Morgan Gibbs-White had a slower start to the campaign and has not made quite the same impact for England, his position is in much more competition from players at, dare we say, bigger clubs. And while it is highly unlikely he will be lining up against Croatia on 17 June in Dallas, there is absolutely a case for arguing for his inclusion in the squad.
The likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have not had great seasons. And whether Gibbs-White is competing for the number 10 position, or somewhere out wide, his ability to influence a game - even as an impact substitute - is without doubt. In terms of goals and assists in the Premier League this season, the only English players with more than Gibbs-White's 11 are Jarrod Bowen (14), Morgan Rogers (13) and Danny Welbeck (12).
Across Europe's top five leagues, the only other English player making that list is Harry Kane with 36; Gibbs-White is the top-scoring English midfielder with nine goals, level with Palmer. Tuchel has already said Foden is not guaranteed a spot, so with seven league games to go, there is still a chance for Gibbs-White to stake his claim - an England side lacking and creative guile could do no worse than make space for the City Ground favourite. Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club