England Watch – Curtis Davies
Wednesday, 07 Feb 2007 17:30
Davies was a January transfer target of Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder
There are arguably more options available to England boss Steve McClaren at centre-back than any other position on the field at present.
With John Terry and Rio Ferdinand both still in their mid-20s and a comfortable first-choice pairing at the heart of the Three Lions' defence, it is likely to prove difficult for any players to break through, barring injuries or suspensions.
Jonathan Woodgate's return to form and fitness and the competition offered by Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher has made it difficult for the youngsters to break into the squad, let alone the team. But first in line for a call-up are likely to be the players staking their claims in the under-21s.
High on that particular list, says
Alistair Potter, should be West Brom defender Curtis Davies.
Name: Curtis Davies
Position: Centre-back
Club: West Bromwich Albion
Age by South Africa 2010: 25
Davies hails from a similar neck of the woods to David Beckham and the Ferdinand brothers, to mention just two names that evoke thoughts of past, present and possibly future England greats.
While east London-born Davies is not quite the established England regular that Rio Ferdinand is, Beckham was or even Anton Ferdinand is for the under-21s, he is a rising star in his own right.
Davies was one of the names bandied around by transfer touts and tabloid journalists all January as several Premiership clubs chased the young defender's signature. He has been a highly-sought commodity ever since West Brom were relegated from the Premiership in his first season with the club after he signed from Luton for £3 million.
In that season (2005/2006), Davies was virtually an ever-present in the Baggies' back line at the tender age of just 20 – the upshot of which was his rightful nomination for PFA young player of the year.
His under-21 debut soon followed in February 2006 and it is hard to believe the player has been on the international scene for less than a year, such is the hype that surrounds this precocious young talent.
Despite West Brom's relegation, Davies reiterated his commitment to the team and stressed his desire to repay the Hawthorns club's faith in him by sticking with them in the Championship.
While he is clearly an ambitious youngster with a natural talent, seems grounded and knows he will need to work hard to prove himself at his current level before he can make the step back up to the Premiership once again and then perhaps to the full international scene.
West Brom managed to stave off interest in Davies from an assortment of Premiership clubs and the player is set to complete this season in the Midlands, although it would be no surprise if he is snapped up by a top flight outfit if the Baggies fail to win promotion.
Davies will be keen to demonstrate his skills to a wider audience, although most critics and scouts will already be aware of the threat he poses to opposition defences when he comes up for corners, and the safety net he provides at the other end.
His 6ft 2in frame is well-suited to the rigours of top-level football and he is surely no more than a few steps behind the best central defenders in the country. It may now only be his relative inexperience that is holding him back from a full international cap before 2010.
England's 2010 World Cup squad
*Players in bold – tickets to South Africa booked already
Goalkeepers
Paul Robinson
Possibles:
Chris Kirkland,
Ben Foster,
Rob Green,
Scott Carson
Defenders
John Terry,
Ashley Cole,
Rio Ferdinand,
Jamie Carragher
Possibles:
Glen Johnson,
Joleon Lescott,
Micah Richards,
Ledley King,
Michael Dawson,
Anton Ferdinand,
Leighton Baines,
Justin Hoyte,
Curtis Davies,
Wes Brown,
Phil Bardsley,
Michael Mancienne
Midfielders
Steven Gerrard,
Frank Lampard,
Owen Hargreaves,
Joe Cole,
Michael Carrick
Possibles:
Aaron Lennon,
Tom Huddlestone,
Nigel Reo-Coker,
Lee Cattermole,
Shaun Wright-Phillips,
Stewart Downing,
Giles Barnes,
James Morrison,
Kieran Richardson
Forwards
Wayne Rooney,
Michael Owen
Possibles:
David Nugent,
Theo Walcott,
James Vaughan,
Gabriel Agbonlahor,
Jermain Defoe,
Peter Crouch,
Darren Bent,
Dean Ashton,
Cameron Jerome