Rob Dorsett has now shared what he spotted from Rico Lewis as the Manchester City No.82 made his England debut on Monday.
The Sky Sports journalist made the comments when writing a Q&A for Sky Sports.
So, what did Rico Lewis do on his England debut? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 19-year-old did well on his first appearance for the Three Lions, winning the official Player of the Match award after shining at left-back in Monday’s 1-1 draw against North Macedonia.
However, Dorsett does not believe that Lewis is a genuine contender for that role on a regular basis under Gareth Southgate, adding that the teenager was “all over the place” at times.
He wrote: “I don’t think he is, no (an option at left-back). I think he is an option somewhere else in the squad. Southgate looks for versatility and Lewis has got that in spades.
“He can play at right-back, defensive midfield, No.8, left-back, but positionally, and I was sitting in the stadium last night in Skopje, he was all over the place and Maguire was covering for him quite a lot and talking to him quite a lot.
“That is absolutely no criticism of Lewis. I think he was outstanding for England in the game, but he was not outstanding as a left-back. The good things he did were when he drifted into midfield and played more in that defensive midfield role that he has been playing so well in for Manchester City.”
Manchester City and England have a diamond in Rico Lewis
We’re glad that Dorsett ended his segment by praising the Bury-born wonderkid for what he did get right on Monday, as it would have been very harsh to criticise him and nothing else.
Lewis was playing in a brand new position – one not even Pep Guardiola has used him in before – while also making his debut for England, so it must have been a nervy night for the City Football Academy graduate.
Nevertheless, the England international still won the Player of the Match award – and also received praise from Kyle Walker – which speaks volumes about his ability to adapt to tricky situations.
