Don Goodman ‘highly doubts’ news about Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham
Don Goodman has questioned the links connecting Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham with a senior England call-up.
Jobe has been a standout performer for the Black Cats this season and that has seemingly earned him international recognition with Thomas Tuchel said to be considering the midfielder ahead of a potential senior call-up [Alan Nixon].
Having already impressed at Under-21 level, the next step would seemingly be the senior squad but Goodman, when speaking to Mackem News, seemed uncertain about the situation.
“Are the staff looking at him in terms of under-21s, England under-21s, or are they looking at him in terms of drafting him into the full squad?” Goodman told Mackem News. “Only Thomas Tuchel knows that.
“I do think that it’s important that England managers take an interest in the younger players coming through as well. I do think people are probably or possibly reading a little bit too much into that.
“If they think that Jobe Bellingham is on the cusp of an England call-up, I highly doubt that, if I’m honest with you. But from an England under-21 perspective and from the perspective of him being on the radar of the coaching staff of England, then it can only be a positive thing.”
Has Jobe earned a senior call-up with Sunderland performances?
Jobe has been outstanding this season, there’s no doubting that. But has he done enough to earn a call-up to the senior England squad? Possibly not.
However, if players aren’t given the chance to opportunity to showcase their ability at the highest level, that question will remain for a long time.
The 19-year-old has arguably been one of the best players in the Championship this season and many of the recent England debutants came from the Championship, although they aren’t afforded the chance to show their ability until making a Premier League move.
The latter also remains a possibility for Jobe, who will undoubtedly be subject of interest to Premier League clubs if the Black Cats arent able to get there themselves.
As things stand, the Wearsiders still have a real shot at promotion but much of that may hinge on their ability to be active in the final few days of the transfer window.
In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats have readied a fresh bid to sign a striker ahead of 3 February.
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