Danny Murphy has now called on Gareth Southgate to start selecting Manchester City No.82 Rico Lewis for England.
The 46-year-old made the comment when speaking on talkSPORT.
So, what did Danny Murphy say about Rico Lewis? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the man from Chester believes Southgate should be selecting the 18-year-old in his England squads.
Murphy said: “When you look at some of the other players he could try in that Henderson/Phillips role, Rico Lewis plays in that role so often for Manchester City. Pep picks him ahead of Phillips. Why? We keep saying he’s the best manager in the world, can we not trust his judgement?
“Rico Lewis should be in the squad. He’s playing for Man City! In big games and being brilliant. Never loses the ball.”
We couldn’t agree more.
It somewhat defies logic that Southgate is picking Phillips for England whilst Guardiola is playing Lewis ahead of the 27-year-old for Manchester City, a side who are fresh from winning a historic treble.
If the teenager is talented enough to force his way into a treble winning team, then he is unquestionably good enough to at least be named in the England squad.
Manchester City No.82 Rico Lewis is surely close to an England debut
While Southgate is yet to pick Lewis, a maiden call-up is surely not far away.
Not only is the Bury-born wonderkid delivering for Manchester City, but he is also making things look easy for the England Under-21 side.
Lewis recently recorded two assists in a 9-1 win over Serbia’s Under-21 side, for example.
The teenager can also operate at right-back as well as in central midfield, versatility which should appeal to Southgate.
If Guardiola continues to use the Manchester City academy graduate and he keeps impressing, England surely won’t be able to ignore him when the next international break comes around in November.
