Boro skipper Gibson enjoying England opportunity

Ben Gibson is relishing the chance to prove his worth at international level after joining up with Gareth Southgate’s England squad for games against Scotland and France.

The Middlesbrough centre-back has been linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium, but while his future is in doubt, his present is focused on the Three Lions.

Gibson could be on his way to West Brom after an impressive season for Boro, and he believes the chance to train along the best with England has helped his progress.

(Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“I’m loving it,” he said. “It’s a test training with the best players in the country every day, but that’s what you want, and I’ve enjoyed testing myself.

“The lads couldn’t have made me any more welcome and been any more helpful than they have, and there’s a really good spirit among the squad.

“It’s good for confidence and it’s been a great experience so far – it’s something that I want more of.”

Gibson played 41 games for the Teessiders last term, and their defence held up well for most of the campaign.

The bigger issue was at the other end of the park, with Aitor Karanka fired as a result, with Garry Monk having been named as his permanent replacement this week.