Gibson in line for England call-up

GARETH SOUTHGATE is contemplating handing Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson his first call-up to the England squad for their games against Scotland and Spain in November.

England’s interim manager was at the Riverside Stadium to see Boro beat Bournemouth and studied the 23-year-old centre back.

The return to his former club also gave Southgate the chance to look at Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere, on loan from Arsenal.

It was a wonder-goal from Gaston Ramirez that got Boro going before Stewart Downing sealed the win in the second half. ‘ It’s not often you get an England manager at the Riverside,’ Downing said.

‘Gareth knows Ben better than anyone. He has worked with him, he knows his qualities, so no doubt he will pick him if he deserves it. He will know he keeps improving.

‘Ben is vocal. He is a leader. He has been captain here a few times already. He knows the game and his performances have been really good, even though we have not got results at times.’

SUPER STAT: This was Aitor Karanka’s 150th match in charge of Boro. MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Valdes 7; Barragan 6.5, Chambers 6.5, Gibson 7.5, Friend 7.5; Clayton 7, Forshaw 7.5; Traore 6.5 (Fischer 90), Ramirez 8 (Leadbitter 63, 6.5), Downing 7; Negredo 7 (Rhodes 86). Subs not used: Guzan, Fabio, Bernardo, Nugent. Scorers: Ramirez 39, Downing 56. Booked: Ramirez, Chambers. BOURNEMOUTH (4-5-1): Boruc 6; Smith 6, Francis 5.5, Cook 5.5, Daniels 6; Ibe 6 (Fraser 60, 6), Arter 5.5 (Gosling 73, 6), Surman 5.5, Wilshere 6.5, King 6; Wilson 5.5 (Afobe 60, 6). Subs not used: Federici, Ake, Gradel, Mings. Booked: Smith. Man of the match: Gaston Ramirez. Referee: Stuart Attwell 6.