Leeds United sensation Jack Clarke is set for a call-up to the England squad “soon”, according to the Daily Mirror.
The national newspaper claim the 18-year-old attacker is firmly on the radar of the national team manager Gareth Southgate after Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd watched him put Derby County to the sword last Friday.
Clarke has emerged into the national spotlight after making a huge impact at Leeds, with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeting that he “looks a player” following his display in the 2-0 triumph against Derby.
Not the first Clarke to strut his stuff at Elland Road, but Jack Clarke looks a player. Another talented young English footballer born in 2000.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 11, 2019
OPINION
Clarke is an immensely excited young player with the potential to play at Premier League, Champions League and, yes, international player. There is no doubt Leeds have a brilliant talent on their hands. But an England call-up already? Steady on, Gareth. The waist-coated England boss has showed great faith in English rising stars in recent times and a golden generation of talent suggests the future is extremely bright for the national team. But, at least, Jadon Sancho and company had been delivering the goods in Europe’s major leagues before getting the Three Lions call. Clarke has hit the ground running for the Whites, but he has made only a single league start for Leeds to date. That came against Derby, when he created both of his team’s goals to add to the two goals he scored as a substitute against Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in recent league matches. Clarke is proving a real handful for Championship defences, but it is too early for him to be fast-tracked into the England team. More evidence is needed he can cut it, first.