Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a compelling, albeit perhaps late, candidate for England’s number 10 role at the upcoming World Cup, thanks to a remarkable surge in form that has been instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s fight for Premier League survival.

The attacking midfielder has been a pivotal figure for Forest, contributing significantly to their efforts to secure top-flight safety. His individual statistics paint a picture of a player hitting his stride at a crucial time, with 13 goals in 35 Premier League appearances this term. What’s more striking is the timing of these contributions: seven of those goals have come since the start of March, highlighting his impact in the business end of the season.

A crowded field for the number 10 role

Despite his impressive club form, Gibbs-White was notably absent from England manager Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad for recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay in May. This omission comes amidst fierce competition for the creative midfield berths, with a host of talented players vying for a spot in the final World Cup squad. Other contenders for the number 10 role include:

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

• Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

• Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

• Phil Foden (Manchester City)

• Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

When comparing key metrics among these players, Gibbs-White stands out. He and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers have clocked the most minutes for their respective clubs this season, each accumulating at least 1,000 more than the other contenders. Furthermore, Gibbs-White leads the pack in goal contributions from open play with 16 (12 goals and four assists), surpassing Rogers, who has 14. A significant 12 of Gibbs-White’s 16 goal contributions have occurred since January, further underscoring his strong second half of the season.

Read also: Arne Slot faces FA investigation after renewed VAR criticism

The contrast was evident in Forest’s recent 3-1 victory at Chelsea, where Gibbs-White and Cole Palmer shared the pitch for 20 minutes. Gibbs-White made an immediate impact, providing an assist within six minutes of his introduction. In contrast, Palmer, who played the full 90 minutes, struggled to create opportunities and had a penalty saved, contributing only five goal contributions this season, hampered by injuries.

Expert backing and a race against time

Pundits have been quick to champion Gibbs-White’s cause. Speaking on Match of the Day last month, Danny Murphy stated, “It does put him in the conversation regarding the England squad. When you’re looking as a manager for creative players on who is in form, who is scoring goals and impacting games, some of the other players on the list are not playing as well as him.”

James Perch, speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham, echoed this sentiment, praising Gibbs-White’s all-around game: “You can’t argue with his numbers this season as 15 goals [in all competitions] is brilliant. He also gets back and helps defensively so I can’t heap enough praise on him. He has been unbelievable. He turns up in the big games and he can win games on his own. I don’t know why he’s not getting a call-up because he can’t be doing any more than what he is doing.” Perch added, “I don’t know if it is a bit late for him to get a call-up now but in my eyes he deserves it. All he can do is perform for his club – and that is what he is doing – and Tuchel can’t ignore him for too much longer.”

However, a recent setback could complicate his World Cup aspirations. Gibbs-White was forced off 20 minutes after coming on against Chelsea due to a clash of heads with Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, requiring stitches. He now faces a race against time to be fit for Nottingham Forest’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa, a fixture in which Forest currently hold a 1-0 aggregate lead.

Read also: Ex Arsenal star claims the club forced him out over political comments

With England’s final World Cup squad submission deadline looming on Saturday, 30 May, and no further friendlies scheduled, Gibbs-White’s remaining Premier League fixtures against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Bournemouth, alongside any Europa League action, will be his final opportunities to impress Thomas Tuchel.

Sources: www.bbc.com

Read also: Michael Carrick optimistic about permanent Manchester United role after Champions League return