Woodgate delight at England call-up for Boro’s Gibson

Former Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is thrilled to see Ben Gibson called-up to the England squad and admits he’s surprised it’s taken so long for him to receive the recognition.

It is  centre back Gibson’s first call-up to the senior squad and comes after an injury to Chris Smalling ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier with Lithuania.

Michael Keane made his England debut in defence against Germany in the week and Woodgate knows there is plenty of competition in the squad.

“I’m really pleased for him, he’s a lad who works really hard and he deserves it,” he said.

“He’s done really well and been the best player for us this season so he deserves it. I thought he’d have got the call earlier to be honest because he’s been doing really well.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“There’s good competition in that area for centre-halves at the minute and Ben is right in there with a shout.

“Gareth (Southgate) has got some really good centre-halves to choose from. There are the two lads from Manchester United, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling and also John Stones who is outstanding.

“The boy (Michael) Keane is top drawer and Gary Cahill who’s top of the league. It’s difficult but another thing Ben has going for him is that he’s a left-footer, which is hard to come by.”