Pressure on Gareth as Scots take aim at Gunn
ENGLAND are at risk of losing Angus Gunn to Scotland if they do not hand him his international debut, with the talented Southampton goalkeeper willing to switching allegiances.
Sources close to the 23-year-old have confirmed he is open to representing the Scots.
Gunn has focused on England throughout his career, representing them at every youth level from Under-16 to Under-21, but is yet to win a senior cap.
Scotland boss Alex McLeish is known to be hopeful of convincing the youngster to play for them. Peter Grant, McLeish’s assistant, is also close to the Gunn family. Gunn’s father, Bryan, won six caps for Scotland.
Gareth Southgate names his England squad tomorrow for their first Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
Southampton are expecting a call-up for Gunn after his fine form this season, with Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Southgate’s current No 1, having struggled. In November, Southgate named Pickford, Southampton’s Alex McCarthy, Stoke’s Jack Butland and Fulham’s Marcus Bettinelli in a 28-man squad. Gunn was invited to join England’s pre-World Cup training camp last summer.
Southgate could hand Gunn a debut this month, which would end Scotland’s chances.
England previously lost out on Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, who pledged his international future to Scotland.
Gunn spent his youth career with Manchester City. He joined Southampton last summer for £13.5million and has gone from strength to strength, starring in Saints’ 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
England medics will make late checks on Kieran Trippier’s gluteal injury, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka waiting to take the Tottenham right back’s place in the squad.