Everton defender Galloway set for international future

The England left-back situation post-Ashley Cole was something of a concern for many in the country as there was no natural successors to a man who had played over 100 games for the Three Lions.

A few years down the line and a queue has formed to take the No.3 shirt for Roy Hodgson with Everton defender Brendan Galloway the latest name to put his name down for a chance to prove himself at international level.

The Everton teenager, who began his career with MK Dons, has received fortune this season in the form of an injury to Leighton Baines and Luke Garbutt being loaned to Fulham.

Despite being brought up as a centre-back his future looks to be on the left-hand side of the defence.

Since then he has seen off the slightly more experienced Tyias Browning for the position thanks to a collection of impressive displays.

Galloway almost equalised for Everton. Credit: Reuters

Galloway’s pace allowed him to keep up with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin against Arsenal on Saturday evening, but the teenager has plenty more to his game than natural speed.

In an era when defenders seem content to just block the cross the Everton man is more than happy to intervene early and perform the perfect slide tackle on a marauding wideman.

Ahead of him on Saturday was Aaron Lennon who tried to assist his younger colleague but his lack of discipline did allow Bellerin to get in on the overlap and add to the workload on Galloway’s shoulders, but it didn't make the teenager retreat into his shell and he quelled many an attack down his flank.

Positioned next to Phil Jagielka for the opening hour, Galloway was always well placed to stifle an attack as he never allowed his opponent to get far from his grasp.

Galloway isn't afraid of the physical side of the game. Credit: PA

When a cross found its way to Oxlade-Chamberlain at the back post in the second half Galloway was speedily across to put his chest on the line and block a fiercely struck shot from the Arsenal man.

Galloway can also be dangerous going the other way, something Everton like in a full-back, as Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines have proved over the years. In the 39th minute Galloway got the better of two Arsenal men before eventually being tackled in the box, not allowing him to get a shot away - it was a sign of his aggressive play

When the likes of Coleman and Deulofeu went forward down the right Galloway could be found thundering down the opposite flank to lend support in the final third, showing the intent he has.

Brendan Galloway has appeared for England at youth level. Credit: PA

The left-back almost equalised when he ghosted in at the far post to head a James McCarthy cross just inches wide of the Arsenal goal, but it was another sign of his relentless nature and his sense of adventure when other youngsters would be focused solely on their defensive work.

With Luke Shaw almost certainly set to miss next summer’s Euros there is a place up for grabs in the England squad for a left-back. Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs can’t get in their team and Leighton Baines is yet to feature this season, which could potentially limiting Hodgson’s options come June.

It is likely that France 2016 will come too early for Galloway but the signs are positive for the 19-year-old and England, who will be keen to nurture their latest gifted full-back.