England’s 4-0 win over Malta won’t live long in the memories of most Three Lions supporters, but it was a night Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand won’t forget in a hurry, grabbing his first international goal and just the tenth strike of his entire career.
That wasn’t the 28-year-old’s only contribution either, producing one of his best performances yet in an England jersey. While Gareth Southgate’s side were largely rudderless until Harry Kane broke the deadlock just after half-time, Bertrand was one of the few players to make a difference, creating three chances, winning four aerial duels and completing the third-most touches of the ball of any England player.
With Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose currently injured, Bertrand’s performance in his absence has certainly given Southgate food for thought ahead of the 2018 World Cup. Rose is England’s first-choice left-back in the eyes of many, but Bertrand his proving himself to be a more than worthy rival – and another convincing display against Slovakia tonight may just convince Southgate to hand him the role in Russia next summer.
Who do you think will be England’s first-choice left-back by the time the World Cup comes around?
