Sunderland have a list of young players who will be expected to make it on the international stage in the future.
With Chris Mepham, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Niall Huggins, Salis Abdul Samed, Alan Browne, Jewison Bennette, and Ian Poveda all making appearances for their nation, Sunderland already boasts a number of international players in their ranks.
But their younger players are the ones who are expected to have enormous careers; many of them have already been picked to play for England in the future.
Chris Rigg is already leaving his imprint in young football, and Jobe Bellingham is probably going to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
Dan Neil is another name projected to play for England, and Anthony Patterson may well be the next Jordan Pickford.
Dennis Cirkin, nevertheless, might be the one who is closest to receiving his first cap.
Dennis Cirkin could be on track for England call-up
Originally from Dublin, the defender progressed through the Young Lions’ levels and made his England U20 debut in 2021.
Journalist Michael Graham thinks Cirkin may be on the verge of being England’s “best available left back” following a “superb” start to the season.
He wrote on X: “With a centre back who is playing left back for England here, you have to wonder how close Dennis Cirkin is to being England’s best available left back.”
Cirkin made his comeback from injury this season and has been one of Sunderland’s best players, picking up a goal and an assist.
Can the Sunderland defender earn a call-up in the Championship?
Luke Shaw’s injury-plagued career has affected his international career; hence, England chose to play Chelsea’s Levi Colwill on the left in their victory over the Republic of Ireland.
In the pecking order, Cirkin probably has players like Ben Chilwell, Tyrick Mitchell, and James Justin ahead of him. However, a healthy Shaw and Rico Henry might overtake him.
It does not follow, though, that any of them are superior to him. The 22-year-old would undoubtedly make an impact if he were to play in the Premier League the next season and keep up his impressive progress.
There is no doubting that he is one of their better choices and would be worthy of a senior cap if it were awarded to him. However, Championship players are not often called up to the England squad, so that is probably what will keep it from occurring.
In the long run, Cirkin’s injury issues could be a hindrance, but if the Black Cats get promoted, Cirkin’s chances will rise significantly.
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