According to the Daily Mail, Matt Targett is being considered for a surprise call-up to the England squad ahead of next week’s international break.
With left-backs Ben Chilwell and Kieran Trippier unavailable for the games against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, England are lacking options down that side, leaving Three Lions staff to assess other options.
As a result, The Mail report that Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace), James Justin (Leicester), Luke Thomas (Leicester) and Matt Targett (Newcastle) have all been watched by England staff over the past few weeks.
The 26-year-old joined Newcastle on loan from Aston Villa in January and has helped to rejuvenate a previously leaky defence since then, putting in several rock solid displays over our unbeaten run.
Targett has also been linked with a permanent move to Tyneside, with the club said to have an option to sign him for £15m this summer.
Since signing, the full-back has received praise from the likes of Jamie Carragher and has clearly impressed the England set-up, with him not only strong defensively but possessing a brilliant left-foot capable of delivering great balls into the box.
On the subject of NUFC defenders playing out of their skin, Dan Burn could well be another who is impressing Gareth Southgate, with the 6ft 7′ defender being a colossus at the back since he sealed a £13m move from Brighton in January.
Here’s what he’s had to say this week when asked about a potential call-up:
”I’m playing well and it’d be nice to be around the England setup.
“But the way Gareth has it, it’s run more like a club, keeping the lads together.
“If it happens, I’d be buzzing, but I’m not holding my breath!”
