Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner
Obtained from Google search “Chris Smalling,” labeled for noncommercial reuse
Height: 194 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Senior Experience: 2007-present
Caps: 23
Club: Manchester United (English Premier League)
Season Statistics: 0 Goals; 1 Assists; 93 Tackles
Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:
With the question of age revolving around Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka starting in the back third for England, Chris Smalling could definitely make a case to push into the starting XI for Roy Hodgson this summer. Although Smalling has played at right back for the Three Lions before, that position seems to be solidly sewed up for Nathaniel Clyne, but his experience at the center back position does give him leeway to push Cahill and Jagielka for the start.
The biggest question in the portion of the lineup becomes whether or not to start experience over age, a trend that has followed England through the end of the Golden Generation. With four appearances in qualifying for Euro 2016 (UEFA, 2016), Smalling is beginning to make his push to be a reliable center back for his country. Due to his much improved work with the squad and Hodgson’s favorable view of his ability ever since coaching him at Fulham, it is possible to see Smalling take over early in Euros, or even be put in beside Cahill (McNulty, “Euro,” 2015). As a center back for England, Smalling’s progress and increased role in the lineup could make him become one of the more certain English starters in the future, finally supplanting the age of Cahill and Jagielka in the lineup (PA Sport, 2016).
How to cite this article: “Chris Smalling” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/key-substitutes/chris-smalling/ (accessed on (date)).
