Sheffield United's George Baldock deserves an England call-up - he probably won't get one

Sheffield United wing back George Baldock has rightly been earning rave reviews of late for his performances in the Premier League.
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The 26 year-old registered his second goal of the season on Sunday – a stunning winner at Norwich City – doubling his tally from last season in the Championship.

Baldock also notched-up his third assist at Carrow Road, which is how many he goals he provided in the entirety of the last campaign.

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In short, like so many of United’s squad, the Premier League is suiting Baldock down to the ground.

George Baldock taking on Manchester United's Fred at Bramall Lane. Darren Staples/SportimageGeorge Baldock taking on Manchester United's Fred at Bramall Lane. Darren Staples/Sportimage
George Baldock taking on Manchester United's Fred at Bramall Lane. Darren Staples/Sportimage

When Chris Wilder was setting about strengthening his squad for their Premier League adventure, the right side of the defence was an area many look towards as perhaps needing a bit more competition.

Baldock wasn't unimpressive last season - far from it – but he was a consistently solid, if not spectacular member of the Blades team. Or certainly, there were other players stepping into the spotlight.

Now it's his turn and Baldock’s form has caused some to wonder whether he would be in the thinking of England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of this coming summer’s European Championships.

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All the boxes are ticked - young enough, adaptable, in form and playing in an in-form team.

The numbers aren't bad either with the former MK Dons man having played every minute of every top flight game so far. He’s got a pass completion rate of 78% from an average of 30 passes per game and a fairly decent cross accuracy of 28%.

The problem is, Baldock's position is one that Southgate has little or no concerns about. In fact, such is his almost embarrassment of riches, Kyle Walker was recently left out.

At any other time, the United man would have arguably at the least been given an opportunity to prove his worth on the international stage.

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However, even Walker aside, standing in his way are Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka plus Joe Gomez can also play in there.

“It’s arguably our most competitive position on the pitch,” said Southgate earlier this season.

That statement alone would mean Baldock would have to do something pretty spectacular to be fulfilling an international dream in the summer.