Advertisement

Gareth Southgate given World Cup boost as it emerges rising star is eligible for England call up

England manager Gareth Southgate is getting ready to pick his World Cup squad.
England manager Gareth Southgate is getting ready to pick his World Cup squad.

Gareth Southgate has been handed a welcome World Cup boost with the news that one of the Europe’s hottest properties is eligible to play for England.

The big kick-off in Russia is now just three months away and Three Lions boss Southgate is putting the final touches to his preparations for the tournament.

England have two friendlies coming up next month against Holland and Italy as players stake one final claim for a ticket to the biggest sporting event on the planet.

READ MORE: Pogba’s dressing room bust up with Jose revealed

READ MORE: Jesus reveals Man City injury trauma

A surprise name has emerged as a contender to take part in those two warm-up fixtures with a rising star from the Bundesliga under consideration.

Bayer Leverkusen forward Leon Bailey, who has been the subject of interest from Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool and Spurs, qualifies for the English national team.

Bayer Leverkusen hotshot Leon Bailey
Bayer Leverkusen hotshot Leon Bailey

The 22-year-old has already played for Jamaica’s U23s but two of his grandparents hold British passports, making him eligible to play for England.

Belgium and Malta are Bailey’s other options if he wants to make the step up and play full international football.

Should he decide to play for Southgate’s men, Bailey would be linking up with Jamaican-born pal Raheem Sterling and battling him for a place in the starting XI.

Bailey is a lightning-quick wide forward who has scored 11 times in 23 outings for Leverkusen in the German top flight this season.

The Football Association are aware of his availability to play for England and it has been reported that Southgate has sent scouts to watch the hotshot.