GARETH SOUTHGATE is reportedly considering a call-up for Aston Villa’s Matt Targett.
The England boss has been impressed with the 25-year-old’s form for Dean Smith’s side and is weighing up whether to include him, according to The Mirror.
Aston Villa’s Matt Targett has caught the eye of England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jack Grealish and Targett could replicate their Villa combination on the international stageCredit: PA:Press Association
And he could recreate his impressive partnership with left-sided team-mate Jack Grealish on the international stage when Southgate names his next squad on March 18.
Targett has started all 25 of Villa’s Premier League games and helped them to keep 13 clean sheets.
He could challenge fellow in-form star Luke Shaw for the left-back role after his sensational form for the Red Devils.
But with Southgate set to deploy a back three flanked by wing-backs, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka could be picked after a sensational season.
The versatile Gunners youngster could find his best way into the side further back than he is used to playing under Mikel Arteta – as Southgate is blessed with an embarrassment of attacking riches.
Fellow contender Ben Chilwell has been left out on a number of occasions under new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Southgate praised the form of James Justin, hinting the Leicester man would’ve been included if he hadn’t cruelly suffered an ACL blow last month.
And another man used on the left of late, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, is now starring in midfield on loan at relegation-threatened West Brom.
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Manchester United’s Luke Shaw could face competition from Targett to get the England nodCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Targett represented England at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21s level.
He even has history of teaming up with Grealish for the Three Lions after the pair helped the Under-21s win the 2016 Toulon Tournament alongside Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse.
Targett could make his debut in the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland at the end of this month.
He may have a familiar face inside him with club pal Tyrone Mings likely to make the squad.
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Emi Martinez says Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish reminds him of Lionel Messi
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
