Journalist names ex-Chelsea youngster Samuel Iling-Junior as one to watch for future England squads
We’re delighted to welcome freelance journalist Alex Barker, also known asEuro Expert, who has worked for Breaking The Lines, GFFN and more, as our exclusive columnist. Each week he will be giving his views on the biggest talking points on Wonderkids across the UK…
Samuel Iling-Junior is one to watch for future England squads after making a big impact for Juventus this season in recent weeks, says Alex Barker.
The 19 year old winger came through the academy at Chelsea before moving to Turin with the Serie A giants in 2020 for a better pathway to regular first-team football.
He’s now getting that with some minutes in the Champions League recently against Benfica, where he picked up an assist and was a huge threat after coming on as a substitute and Barker suggested that he has the type of unique skillset that could have Gareth Southgate looking at him in the future for England.
“I think Gareth Southgate is going to be looking at youngish players who are unique,” he told The Football Wonderkids.
“For example Ruben Loftus-Cheek when he was playing in the 2018 World Cup he was playing because, not necessarily because he was a great player, he was good, but I think Southgate liked him because he had nobody else like Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the England squad.
“I think that’s the sort of player that could get into the England team and off the top of my head, I am struggling to think of anyone who disposes of anyone in the England setup.
“Anthony Gordon, I’ve seen Everton fans get quite frustrated with him lately and he’s not necessarily offering anything different to a Phil Foden or a Mason Mount.
“The same with Jacob Ramsey. I’m not sure what type of player he is really.
“But there was a young English boy who came on for Juventus against Benfica (Samuel Iling-Junior) and completely changed the game.
“He was brilliant, they were terrible until he came on. Absolutely brilliant.
“Keep an eye out for him, he looks great.”
In other England news, Harvey Elliott could be a shock World Cup call-up according to one academy coach