The latest England squad reveal has outlined that Gareth Southgate intends to keep a watchful eye on a handful of impressive Leeds United individuals at the minute.
Marcelo Bielsa opted not to make too many drastic changes to his side that clinched promotion last season and his choices are proving to be the right ones.
Not only is the team performing extremely well collectively at the moment, but a number of individuals are taking to the top flight with remarkable ability.
Gareth Southgate announced his latest England squad, where there were high hopes of a first senior call-up for Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling, after reports of both being in with a chance.
It wasn’t to be for the striker and right-back as they narrowly missed out, while Kalvin Phillips was called up to the side once again.
What it shows is that the England chief is watching developments at Elland Road closely and there could be added consideration in the future.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has now reported that Southgate also likes the look of Jack Harrison as he continues to shine on the left wing.
“This was not Bamford’s cross to bear alone at Leeds.” He wrote.
“Southgate has given so much thought to Leeds players that the squad taken by Marcelo Bielsa to Fulham had shades of England Reserves about it.
“For the past few weeks, Luke Ayling has been monitored, remarkably in the frame for a first cap in the year when he turns 30.
“Southgate has kept an eye on Jack Harrison too, and in that, there is credit to be shared at Elland Road: Kalvin Phillips is in Southgate’s latest squad and three colleagues were not far away.
“It must be hard to avoid feeling dangled when the England manager places his bets but there is something to be said for being part of the discussion, however small the consolation feels.”
The left-wing slot seems like one of the hardest positions for Southgate to pick a starting player at the minute.
At the top of the pecking order, you’ve probably got three players on very high standing at the moment in Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford.
With those three you’ve got all attacking bases covered in a 4-3-3.
However, what Harrison offers defensively (in a formation relying on attacking full-backs) is unrivalled by pretty much every wide option England possesses, other than maybe Bukayo Saka.
It’s extremely unlikely that Harrison will get a call-up any time soon but what this shows is how incredibly well he’s progressing at Elland Road to be in that conversation.