Morgan Gibbs-White is itching to ‘take final step’ and crack England squad, says boss Steve Cooper
Morgan Gibbs-White is eager to ‘take the final step’ and crack the England team, boss Steve Cooper says
- Gibbs-White has had a successful year at Forest following his £42 million transfer in the summer
- However, despite his ambitions, he has been left out of England’s newest squad
- Cooper admitted there will be more coming out of the midfielder next season
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper says Morgan Gibbs-White wants to push for a place in England’s Gareth Southgate set-up next season.
The Forest striker marked his first season at the City Ground by helping keep Cooper’s team in the Premier League with some outstanding performances.
Gibbs-White missed an England call-up for next month’s games with Malta and North Macedonia.
But Cooper believes Gibbs-White – as well as aiming to be a key player in establishing Forest as a Premier League club – will also look to bolster its international ambitions.
Six years ago, he was part of Cooper’s England team that won the Under-17 World Cup in India.
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has admitted Morgan Gibbs-White wants to push for a place in the England squad
Cooper was full of praise for the Forest midfielder after helping the side to safety
Forest have had a high turnover of players this year, but Gibbs-White has been central to their success
And now the Forest boss believes the player, who moved from Wolves to Forest in a deal worth £42 million, is capable of progressing through the ranks to become part of the senior squad.
Cooper said: ‘It’s his story to tell, but I spent part of that England journey working with him – knowing how many developmental games he’s played.
“He’s played in every age group and that’s what the development system is for, to try to get people into the senior team.
“I know he would like to take the last step to do that.
“There has been a brilliant commitment to games and performance.
“Sometimes they were really eye-catching, weren’t they.
“You just have to focus on that.
‘But the best part is that there is so much more to come, that’s the exciting part.
Cooper said the midfielder would “like to take the final step” to play for England’s senior team
“It’s about him talking about England—and Gareth, too.”
Cooper added that there is no doubt that Gibbs-White’s game has improved since his arrival at the City Ground.
He said, ‘He’s definitely grown.
“Obviously you improve by playing, that’s so important for young players – to get as many games as possible.
“Everyone finds his level, and that’s what he’s doing now, there are times when he really excelled.
“What he’s done is add a real maturity to his game and an understanding of the defensive side.
Gareth Southgate left Gibbs-White from his latest squad but could call him up soon
The 23-year-old has captained England U21s and is likely to be part of the squad for next month’s European Championships
“Everyone knows the obvious strength in terms of risk-taking and his will to do something with the ball – and he’s always worked hard.
“But he’s also worked smart off the ball – he understands different tactical roles, that maybe he needs to do something different for the team.
“Then he’ll have more success doing what we want him to do.”
Gibbs-White captained the England Under-21 squad and is likely to be part of Lee Carsley’s squad for next month’s European Championship.