Leicester City attacker Demarai Gray has backed teammate Marc Albrighton to receive an England call-up ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
England will take on Netherlands and Italy in their next two internationals as they build towards next summer’s tournament in Russia.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is expected to have a look at a number of different players ahead of the finals.
It would be fair to say that Albrighton is not one of those particularly on Southgate’s radar, but the 28-year-old was outstanding in Leicester’s title-winning campaign, and has been in impressive form in recent weeks.
Gray, who has also been tipped to earn a call-up, has said that Albrighton’s reliability and form should see him given a chance to make an impression.
Gray told reporters:
“Yes, he’s a reliable player and it’s important for the manager to have reliable players in the team.
“We’ve seen from England call-ups, if you’re playing regular football at a good consistent level, anyone can get called up, no matter what club you’re at.”
Albrighton represented England’s Under-21 team on eight occasions between 2010 and 2011, but failed to progress to the senior side.
England will take on Belgium, Tunisia and Panama in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup, which will get underway in the middle of June.
