‘England player in waiting’: Ian Wright thinks Everton player may well be on Southgate’s radar

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Ian Wright has said on the Wrighty’s House Podcast that Everton new boy Demarai Gray already looks like an England player in waiting.

Gray for England?

Gray was signed on a bargain deal by Everton from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, with the winger’s career appearing to stall.

A move to Goodison Park has done the 25-year-old the world of good though.

Gray has quickly become a key player for Everton, and already has two goals in his first three appearances for Rafael Benitez’s men.

His driving runs and strong finishing has caught the eye rapidly.

And Wright feels that the Everton man could well force his way back into the England set-up if he keeps playing to his current level.

He said: “What I’ve seen in the first two games – and people are already saying, watch what will happen to him, he’ll fade out.

“You know what, I pray that he doesn’t. I pray that he can hold this consistency because again, that’s a player who, with his ability and attributes, is another England player in waiting if he can do that.

“He’s still only 25! If the penny drops it’s problems and danger for everyone!”

Back into the limelight

Gray was a regular pick for England at under-21 level in his younger years, but he has fallen by the wayside in recent times.

A lack of first-team minutes at Leicester City affected his development, and his move to Leverkusen didn’t work out as hoped.

The initial signs after his transfer to Merseyside have been hugely promising though.

And Gray could well turn out to be a brilliant signing for Everton, if he does go on and fulfil his potential at Goodison Park.