10 dark horses for England's 2018 World Cup squad 

#2 Lewis Dunk (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Lewis Dunk

To continue the long list of potential new England defenders, Premier League debutants Brighton have brought another name to the fore: Lewis Dunk.

In truth, it is no surprise to anyone, least of all fans of the Seagulls as their vice-captain was, according to Squawka, statistically their second best player last season behind Player of the Year, Anthony Knockaert.

Written when Brighton secured promotion, three games before the end of the season, Dunk ranked top for interceptions made (124), shots blocked (38), clearances (279) and second for headed duels won (173) in Brighton’s squad, while he has also completed more passes (1,501) than anyone else.

Had Jack Grealish not struck in the final game of the season, Brighton would have surprisingly usurped Newcastle to the Championship title and boasted the best defence in the division, with just 39 conceded. However, sharing it with the Magpies (40 conceded each) is no mean feat.

Dunk has not let up in the Premier League as he and centre-back partner Shane Duffy have been as solid as a seaside rock for the South Coast club, helping Brighton keep three clean sheets and lifting them to a lofty 12th position on the table.