Chris Sutton has mocked Steven Gerrard’s claim that James Tavernier could earn England recognition if he continues his Rangers form.
Speaking on BT Sport’s Periscope channel (11:47) in the build-up to the Gers’ Sunday clash against Hearts, Sutton is not convinced that the right-back is close to the level of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker.
“In front of Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Walker? Come on, it’s not going to happen,” said Sutton, laughing. “He’s had a good start to the season, but, Tavernier for England? Come on.”
Asked about Tavenier’s England chances, Gerrard had said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun: “You have Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier. Some top players.
“He’s been magnificent this season. I thought he was very good leading up to his new contract, and he deserved that new deal. He’s been even better since he signed it. He’s gone to another level. Tav’s becoming an animal out of possession, and that’s where we spoke about how he could maybe improve his game.”
OPINION
There are two chances of Tavernier playing at right-back for England while playing for Rangers – zero and none. Credit to the defender for taking his game to a new level under Gerrard, and adding increasing defensive nous to his well-established attacking cutting edge. There is no better full-back in the Scottish game on current form, and that includes Kieran Tierney. But there is still some way to go for former Wigan man Tavernier to force his way into the England squad in a position where the national team have more intense competition than any other. The right-backs are so good that Walker has moved across to a new centre-back role in a three-man defence. Tavernier would have to be the key man in a Rangers side that storms to the title and also achieves cup success to catch the eye of Gareth Southgate. As Sutton mockingly points out, the Ibrox skipper needs to improve a fair bit.