Gareth Southgate has handed Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson his first ever England call-up as a replacement for the injured Chris Smalling, the Football Association have announced.
Gibson has been on the periphery of the England squad all season after impressing for Premier League strugglers Middlesbrough and has now been rewarded with his first ever call-up ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier with Lithuania on Sunday.
The 24-year-old has already been linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester City this season and international recognition will certainly provide Middlesbrough with room to drive up their asking price, although that bargaining power will diminish if they are relegated.
However, while it comes as great news for Gibson, this international break has not been ideal for Jose Mourinho. Phil Jones had already withdrawn from England duty after suffering a suspected broken toe following a challenge with Smalling and now the Manchester United manager has lost Smalling to injury.
While Jones and Smalling cannot be counted on, only four outfielders have played in more Premier League minutes than Gibson (2520).
For more stats on Ben Gibson, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
