England’s unrelenting march towards ending 52 years of hurt in Russia is gathering pace.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey would ‘find it hard to turn down’ an England call up, according to the Mirror.
The 20-year-old was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but reportedly qualifies for England through two of his grand-parents.
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Bailey has played once for Jamaica’s Under-23 side but has so far resisted offers to play for the Reggae Boyz’s senior side.
Gareth Southgate won’t have it all his own way though.
Bailey also reportedly qualifies for Belgium, who will be in England’s World Cup group at Russia, and Malta.
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So what’s all the hype about?
Bailey has hit the ground running in his first full campaign in German football following a winter move from Belgian side Genk last season.
He’s scored nine times and assisted five league goals in 15 Bundesliga starts, with a further two goals coming in the German Cup.
Bailey’s supposed availability could open the tantalising prospect of two Kingston-born wingers in the form of their lives on either flank for England.
Raheem Sterling, who was also born in the Jamaican capital, has already scored 20 goals this season for Man City.
Throw in Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Dele Alli and we can’t see anything but an England win in Russia. You can quote us on that.
Over to you now, Mr Southgate.