Rangers captain James Tavernier led the way last night as the Light Blues booked their place in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt – and the right-back’s stunning form for the Gers should see him in contention for England’s World Cup squad.
Tav scored the opener as Rangers beat RB Leipzig 3-1 – meaning he’s scored the opening goal in all of the Gers’ home knockout ties in the Europa League this season – as he became the tournament’s outright top scorer with seven for the campaign.
The Ibrox skipper has another couple of assists to his name and he’s consistently been one of the top performers in the Europa League as Rangers have defied expectation.
While England aren’t exactly short of options at right-back, there’s a real argument that Tavernier can add something to Gareth Southgate’s squad in Qatar.
Rangers star deserves international recognition
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Kyle Walker are already competing to be England’s first-pick and Tavernier isn’t just going to be immediately thrust into the starting XI.
However, the Rangers skipper’s attacking numbers are simply outrageous and he does far more defensively than he’s given credit for.
Despite the usual English snobbery towards the SPFL and Scottish football, there can be no disputing just how good Tav has been in Europe over the last few years against some massive names.
The leadership skills Tavernier has shown over his time at Ibrox – and there’s a very real case for him being the most important Rangers captain of the modern era – is something that could really benefit Southgate’s squad ahead of the World Cup.
Tav wouldn’t just be there to make up the numbers for England at the World Cup
If Tavernier was to win a call-up to the England squad, you can be sure he won’t just be there to make up the numbers and would be looking to make as big of an impact as possible.
His numbers in Europe are the envy of attackers around the continent, never mind other defenders and Southgate would be crazy to overlook the Rangers captain.
With a potential clash against Scotland in Qatar, the Rangers star’s experience in Scotland might just count in their favour too.