5 lesser-known England players who deserve a World Cup opportunity

#4 Lewis Dunk

Lewis Dunk has been part of one of the Premier League's meanest defences this season

Brighton’s young central defender Lewis Dunk might’ve equalled an unwanted record recently – he scored his 4th own goal of 2017/18 in a February fixture against Swansea, the joint-most in any Premier League season – but ignoring that stat, he’s actually had a fantastic debut season in the Premier League with the Seagulls.

Dunk has been an ever-present for Chris Hughton’s men, appearing in every one of Brighton’s 30 Premier League games, and impressively, his side currently sit in 12th place and have only conceded 40 goals – less than all but the top five teams in the league and the equally mean Burnley. Usually paired with Irish international Shane Duffy, it’s hard not to be impressed by Dunk’s style.

And that style might be the key to him being noticed by Southgate. Thus far in his reign as England boss, Southgate has shown a penchant for defenders who can also pick out a pass. This has seen the likes of Harry Maguire and John Stones become regulars, while more experienced campaigners like Chris Smalling have been left aside.

Dunk can certainly pass impressively – WhoScored.com has his pass success percentage at a strong 78.6% - but his massive height (he stands at 6’4”) and frame also mean he’s capable of dominating in the air and allows him to be a threat from set-pieces too. Basically, he’s got everything it takes to succeed at the top level, and Southgate should certainly be willing to give him a shot in a defence that hasn’t always looked solid.