THE GAP between the Championship and the Premier League is getting smaller and smaller.
And with the Euros rescheduled for 2021, here are the EFL players who could use the next year to grab a spot in the England squad:
KALVIN PHILLIPS, Leeds, midfielder
Kalvin Phillips has become a top defensive midfielder at LeedsCredit: Getty Images
THE defensive midfield position is a bit of a problem for England.
It gives someone like Phillips a chance to stake his claim.
Before Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds, Phillips was a more attack-minded player but he has transformed into a fine defensive midfielder.
Leeds are a possession-based team and commit a lot of players forward. Phillips is good at sitting back and breaking counters, either in front of the backline or as one of three centre backs, such is his positioning.
And when he is on the ball, his short and long passing range is so intelligent.
Gareth has watched him a few times this season, and he would have perhaps got a call-up during this international break.
I would be shocked if he isn’t playing in the Prem, with Leeds or elsewhere next season.
BEN WHITE, on loan at Leeds from Brighton, centre-back
Ben White has thrived in Leeds’ defence but looks set to have a future at parent club BrightonCredit: Getty Images
AS a 21-year-old, I was happy making last-ditch tackles until I was told, ‘If you’re doing that then, initially, you were out of position’.
One of the biggest compliments I can give White is that I don’t know how quick he is because he is rarely out of position and forced to step up a gear. That is the case with all top centre-backs and he is well on his way to being that.
His range of passing with both feet and his ability to step out of the line is also special.
At times he has even stepped into a defensive midfield role and done well. The fact Brighton would not let Leeds get White on a permanent deal speaks volumes for his Prem potential.
OLLIE WATKINS, Brentford, striker
Ollie Watkins is firing Brentford up the tableCredit: Getty
HE spent last season playing wide but the sale of Neal Maupay to Brighton saw him move inside and he has thrived since.
Currently the second-top goalscorer in the Championship, Watkins is certainly catching the attention of some top sides.
He has wonderful pace and movement and he is so strong.
Physically, he has all the attributes to be a top centre- forward in the Prem.
He seems very level-headed. I remember watching him come through at Exeter and even then you knew he was going places. A step up to the national side would not faze him.
EBERECHI EZE, QPR, attacking midfielder
Eberechi Eze has been the beating heart of QPR this seasonCredit: Getty Images
AT just 21 years of age, he can play in a No 10 role or on the left — and has done brilliantly this season with the second most goals and assists for QPR.
You would not want him one on one. He has that knack of gliding past players with ease.
He has so many assists because he attracts so much attention which creates space for his team-mates.
Eze’s very talented and believes in his own ability. No wonder Tottenham are linked with him.
JUDE BELLINGHAM, Birmingham, midfielder
Jude Bellingham is being linked with Man Utd and rightly soCredit: PA:Press Association
THERE is a lot of talk linking him with Manchester United and rightly so — even if he is only 16 years old.
When he first broke through at St Andrew’s he played wide in a 4-4-2 to get lots of space on the ball, now he has found his feet in the middle.
For his age, he is unbelievably intelligent and knows where to be all the time, whether in attack or defence.
If he continues to grow and mature then he will be THE all-round central midfielder in this country — he can do anything.
Two players that starred in the Championship last season and are now lighting up the Premier League are Dean Henderson and Reece James.
Sheffield United’s on-loan keeper Henderson has a strong mentality, believes in his own ability and backs it up with performances. He wants to be England’s No 1 and it would be an easy step up for him.
I saw a lot of James while he was on loan at Wigan last term.
He played as a defensive midfielder, right wing-back, right centre-back and right of a back-three. And he made the Championship team of the season.
Jude Bellingham’s parents seen leaving Man Utd’s Carrington HQ
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
