Two Leicester City stars watched by England staff for Gareth Southgate

The name that will surprise some is young Luke Thomas. The Daily Mail are reporting that, in light of Ben Chilwell’s season-ending injury, as well as Kieran Trippier’s absence, Southgate has sent staff to watch the left-back. This time around, Southgate has boldly only selected one recognised left-back in Luke Shaw, whilst Tyrone Mings has also played that position earlier in his career.

Thomas, still only 20, made his debut for Leicester in 2020, and has gone on to make over 50 appearances for his boyhood club. A glimmering advert for the Foxes’ youth system, Thomas has come on leaps and bounds in the last few seasons and has often gone underappreciated. Thomas’ experience and ability in playing as a wing-back will be encouraging for Southgate, who frequently plays with a back-three.

Already capped four times for the U21s, as well as his caps at U18s, 19s and 20s, he has been on the radar of the senior coaching team for some time. An ever reliable, it is becoming rarer to see him being caught out in defence. It isn’t only in his defensive work where he shines; Thomas loves to bomb down the left wing and help in the attack – perhaps best typified in his debut when he assisted an Ayoze Perez goal.

A memorable strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford, as well as his assist for Youri Tieleman’s worldie in the FA Cup final, highlights just how much talent Thomas has. It is worth a reminder that he is still only 20; there is so much developing for him to do. Whilst I wouldn’t say he is ready for international football just yet – he would cope but he wouldn’t excel – he is certainly one for the future and will be putting the pressure on both Shaw and Chilwell to be at their best.