Ex-England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Everton forward Anthony Gordon with an outside chance of making the World Cup squad.
Gordon has been a standout performer at Goodison Park this season.
The Toffees rejected a £60million bid from Chelsea over the summer and the 21-year-old has backed up his price tag with some outstanding performances.
While impressing for the Young Lions, Gordon is yet to get his first senior call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad and there are no more internationals before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Nevertheless, Gordon insists he has not given up hope of gatecrashing the 26-man squad.
“If I didn’t have the ambition to play for England in the World Cup then I would be a bit stupid,” Gordon said.
“You’re always on audition, especially in the Under-21s, because you’re so close to the first team. But I understand the squad is so good at the minute that it’s going to be really tough to get in.
“I’m 100 per cent focused on making the World Cup squad. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. It’s out of my control. But I’ll definitely give it my best try.
“To get there I’ll need to score a lot of goals in the next couple of games. I’m ready for that challenge.”
Southgate is not usually one to upset the applecart – but a run of six games without a victory might tempt the Three Lions manager to consider a wildcard for Qatar 2022.
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen, who was named in the most recent England squad but did not feature against Italy or Germany, has endured a disappointing start to the 2022/23 season.
Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has returned to form but was snubbed by Southgate for the international break earlier this month.
And Aston Villa legend Agbonlahor suggests that could create an opportunity for Gordon.
“I think if Gordon continues the way he is playing at the moment, he can gatecrash that England squad,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“Bowen has a lot to prove over the next six weeks. He needs to get goals and assists back in his game.
“Sancho needs to continue his form. Sometimes managers like to take that one player who people wouldn’t expect to go to the World Cup.
“Remember Walcott a few years back?”
However, ex-Premier League midfielder Darren Ambrose insists Southgate is not the kind of manager to select a player out of nowhere, like Sven-Goran Eriksson did with Theo Walcott in 2006.
“I don’t think Gareth will do it. He has his team, barring injuries,” Ambrose responded.
“Historically, there is always an outsider like Walcott that you’re not expecting.
“But with Gareth – we are almost expecting ever selection he makes.”
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