Journalist argues Spurs 22-year-old may have outside shot at England WC spot

Journalist Tom Barclay has argued that Tottenham Hotspur defender Ryan Sessegnon may have an outside chance of making England’s World Cup squad for the tournament in Qatar.

The 22-year-old has endured a rocky journey in his Spurs career, but appears to have finally begun to fulfil his potential under the watchful eye of Antonio Conte. Slotting into the Italian’s system as a wing-back, Sessegnon has earned many plaudits this season.

Sessegnon has a goal already this campaign (Transfermarkt), and has impressed in attacking areas in his first six matches.

Although widely considered as an understudy to Ivan Perisic now, Sessegnon has developed his game quickly over the last 12 months, and provides the perfect rotation for when the Croatian needs a rest.

Sessegnon has 18 caps at U21 level for England (Transfermarkt) and still plays regularly for the youth side. He has not yet broken into the senior national team, but that could all change soon though.

The Sun journalist Tom Barclay has tipped the Spurs youngster to have an outside chance of a place in Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of the imminent World Cup in Qatar this winter, but only if injuries help him.

Speaking to GiveMeSport about players who could sneak into the squad, Barclay said: “I can’t really see anyone [apart from Conor Gallagher]. Maybe Sessegnon has got an outside shout depending on injuries and how well he plays between now and then.”

Spurs Web Opinion

England are facing a bit of a crisis at the moment, with Gareth Southgate’s squad and even his starting XI feeling far from settled as the World Cup approaches. The Three Lions are in poor form, they can’t score, and key players from the last two tournaments aren’t even playing for their clubs.

Southgate played Bukayo Saka out of position at left wing-back on Friday against Italy, so clearly that is a problem area for the team. If Sessegnon continues in the same vein after the international break, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be given the chance on the big stage.

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