Micky Gray moots impossible England call-up for Sunderland star after what he did vs Arsenal
Micky Gray believes that Sunderland have a player who could be valuable to England.
Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal was a huge result for the Black Cats, and a true showcase of the momentum that they have been building on since their return to the Premier League.
European football is a genuine consideration for Sunderland, though their feet will remain grounded for the time being.
While the club will have ambitions of their own, the same will be said for several players, and with the World Cup slowly approaching, they will be looking to stake a claim for their place in the starting 11 for their country.
Dan Ballard mooted for England call-up
Dan Ballard was immense for Sunderland against his former club, just as he has been throughout the season.
Not only did he score the opening goal with a finish that a striker would be proud of, but he also produced a world-class piece of defending at the death to earn the point for his side.
Gray, when discussing the game on talkSPORT, believes that Ballard should be considered for the England squad.
“This is a late shout and it might be going a little over the top, but we haven’t got too many centre-halves in our country“, Gray explained.
“Has he left it too late? Because I think his performances deserve an England call-up.”
Performance-wise, his claim may have substance, but given the fact that Ballard has 32 caps for Northern Ireland, it is quite literally impossible for him to represent England.
It’s the thought that counts.
- Read more: Granit Xhaka could miss Newcastle clash after what happened in Sunderland draw vs Arsenal
Dan Ballard’s Sunderland rise has been phenomenal
Less than 12 months ago, Ballard wasn’t getting a game for Sunderland in the Championship.
Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien were the favoured partnership, with Ballard quite often forced to settle for a place on the bench.
Fast forward to now, and Ballard has cemented his status as one of the best-performing centre-backs in the Premier League this season.
The Black Cats recruited several defenders in the summer, and with just 10 goals conceded, it has certainly paid off.
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