Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has boldly backed new Everton ace Demarai Gray for an England call-up if he continues to maintain his current form.
The versatile winger, who has typically been deployed as a central attacking dynamo under new Blues boss Rafa Benitez, has been indomitable in recent games.
He has three goals and an assist in eight appearances for Everton to date this season and looks to be more than justifying his comparatively modest £1.7 million transfer fee.
Joining the Toffees just six months after he joined Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, the 25-year-old England youth international has contributed to 33% of Everton’s league goals this season [via Transfermarkt].
Hailing the attacker as the “bargain of the season”, Whelan predicted Gray to break into plans under Gareth Southgate with the England setup in the near future if his form continues.
Speaking to Football Insider, the pundit said:
“I can see it happening [an England call-up], but not right now.
“I think he needs a bit more longevity in his game, more consistency in the Premier League.
“We’ve not seen him for a number of years and when you look at the array of quality England have in his position, it would be difficult to see how he can come in after two months of good performances.
“However, there’s no doubt that he’s going in the right direction, and he’s been my bargain of the season.
“If he keeps up this kind of form, he’ll be very hard to ignore for Gareth Southgate.”
Read Everton Verdict
Still boasting the potential to have plenty of years in the league at the highest level, Gray retains every possibility of breaking into the Three Lions again if his form continues.
Regardless, Everton fans will be delighted with his current form and will hope it will not want for consistency across the season.
