Gareth Southgate may have some of the world’s brightest talents to call on in attack for Euro 2020, but it has become shockingly clear that the defence is lacking. Long gone are the days when the Three Lions defence selected itself. Indeed, there hasn’t been a strong and steady defensive partnership since John Terry and Rio Ferdinand lined up alongside each other. With Luke Ayling putting in impressive performances at newly-promoted Leeds United, he could force his way into contention for a place in Southgate’s squad in the summer.

Calls for Change at the Back

Southgate seems adamant that he wants to stick with the 3-4-3 system that worked well for England in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This means that he needs three quality defenders who can work alongside one another but also quickly shift the ball into attack.

In the most recent sets of international breaks, the manager has toyed with various combinations in defence with no preferred solution as yet. Southgate has been loyal to the out-of-sorts Harry Maguire, and likes to find a place for Eric Dier in his back line. Both of these players have been criticised for their defensive fragility, and shouldn’t be auto-inclusions on the team sheet.

On the right side of his back three Kyle Walker is favoured, a player who usually plays as a right-back at Manchester City. Although the 30-year-old has made few errors that have led to goals, his skills are arguably wasted at the back. He would much rather bomb forward and join in the attack, rather than stay back to help out the defence.

Incredible Versatility

Ayling is also a right-back by trade, and if he was only able to play this position there would be little chance of the Leeds United man making the England squad. This is because Southgate already has Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kieran Trippier among others who could fulfil this role. That means that the right wingback position in the 3-4-3 is pretty much sewn up as well.

However, Ayling could offer a viable alternative to Walker on the right side of Southgate’s back three. The former Bristol City man has played in this position on a number of occasions for Marcelo Bielsa when the manager has been forced to make changes because of injuries. Ayling has shown solid defensive qualities when playing this role, and has proven his versatility.

The first time in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign that Ayling lined up in a back three was in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. Captain Liam Cooper was out for the game, but Leeds managed to keep a clean sheet in his absence. Indeed, Villa were limited to only four shots on target at Villa Park. When Ayling moved back to his role at right-back and Cooper re-entered the side, Leeds went on to concede eight goals in two games against Leicester City and Crystal Palace.

Despite these slip-ups, Leeds have gained credibility as a side that can stay in the top flight, and they are expected to have a strong season with odds of around 2/1 to finish in the top 10 at most UK bookmakers. Most sites provide a significant welcome bonus for anyone looking to take advantage of this as they aim to entice new customers. However, for anyone looking to find value the live markets are much more suitable as they provide the opportunity to take advantage of in-game situations across a wide spectrum.

Warrior-like Work Rate

Ayling would be an asset to the England squad as he could play in central defence or at right back if need be. Another attribute that he would bring to the Three Lions side is his warrior-like work rate. The 29-year-old lost four kilos when Bielsa took over, and this has shown in his overall fitness. He never stops running, and always seems to crop up at the right time. His highlight of the season so far was probably when he raced back and saved Jack Grealish’s shot off the goal line.

Ayling has taken a long, winding path to get to where he is today, but he looks like a worthy Premier League player now. If he can keep up his impressive performances all season, Southgate will have to consider him for his Euro 2020 squad.