MAX FACTOR
England boss Southgate to watch Kilman today Wolves star fears for family in war-torn Ukraine
WOLVES defender Max Kilman will get the chance to push his claim for an England call today – while some members of his family are caught up in the war in Ukraine.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate (right) is set to watch the 24-year-old centre-back in action when Bruno
Lage’s team tackle West
Ham in a crucial clash between two clubs challenging for Europe.
Kilman has been outstanding for Wolves this season and is in contention to be named in the England squad to face Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendlies at Wembley next month.
The 6ft 5in defender was born in London. His mum is Ukrainian and his late father was Russian.
His grandfather and uncle still live in Ukraine – and Wolves will continue to monitor Kilman to make sure he is in the right frame of mind to play against the Hammers following Russia’s bloody invasion of the neighbouring state.
Kilman’s excellent form has alerted Chelsea, with the European champions in the market for a new central defender.
Thomas Tuchel faces losing contract rebel Antonio Rudiger and the clock is also ticking on 37-yearold Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva.
A Chelsea fan as a boy, Kilman speaks fluent Russian and his younger brother Michael is currently starring for the Blues’ Under-10s team.
He still has over three years left on his Molineux contract – and an England cap would see his value rocket well north of £30million.
Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko tried to convince Kilman to commit himself at international level to his mum’s native country. But the defender played 25 games for England’s futsal team after making his debut at the age of 18.
And now he is only eligible to play for the Three Lions at international level.
Shevchenko’s appeal to FIFA that Kilman should be allowed to change his allegiance was denied.
He was attached to Fulham’s academy as a schoolboy but also played for Genesis Futsal Club in East London as a teenager.
Kilman later joined Gillingham’s youth set-up before signing for National League South outfit
Maidstone United at the age of 18. After a spell on loan at Marlow in the Southern League, he returned to Maidenhead while continuing to excel at futsal with Helvecia.
He was snapped up by Wolves for an undisclosed fee in August 2018 and helped the club’s Under-23 side win promotion to Premier League Two.
Kilman was handed his senior debut by Nuno Espirito Santo when he came on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Fulham in May 2019.
He has now made 61 appearances for the Black Country club and has been an ever-present this season.