Calls had been growing for Leeds United defender Jayden Bogle to be included in the England squad for the latest round of international matches, though the selection did not arrive.
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke addressed the discussion last month, pointing out that Bogle’s form, while notable at club level, had not been sustained over a long enough stretch to justify annoyance about his omission from the senior setup.
Farke noted that all his players holding an English passport were delivering strong performances, but stressed that such displays needed to be maintained over a medium to long-term period.
The 26-year-old has previous international experience, having featured for England at under-20 level on four occasions around seven years ago.
Since then, he has not been close to a senior call-up, and despite external pressure for his inclusion this time around, his own manager maintained that consistency over an extended period was required.
Injuries to established full-backs Reece James and Tino Livramento led some observers to suggest that Bogle had a genuine opportunity of a first senior cap, particularly given his early-season form for Leeds.
That opportunity did not arise.
A pundit and former professional footballer suggested that the tactical role Bogle performs at Leeds may have worked against him in selection terms.
Don Goodman, who was born in Leeds and previously played for West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers, attributed the issue to the position Bogle occupies under Farke.
Goodman argued that Bogle has been excelling as an attacking wing-back rather than a conventional full-back.
Goodman added that England head coach Thomas Tuchel has traditionally favoured a flat back four system, and has used Jarell Quansah at right back, with Ezri Konsa also capable of operating in that role, and Declan Rice even pushed into the position on occasions.
He concluded that Bogle’s only course of action is to continue producing high-level performances in the hope that Tuchel notices him and trusts him sufficiently to provide an opportunity.