Had the European Championships gone ahead in 2020 as planned, Matt Targett would have had no more interest in the tournament than your average fan.
As fate would have it, Euro 2020 became 2021 and it is amazing what a year can do in terms of international prospects. Nowhere has this been more clearly demonstrated than with the England left back position. Having potentially leapfrogged all but one rival, Targett is expected to be handed the opportunity to crown an impressive season with a Three Lions debut in the near future. A reward for consistency, persistence and opportunism.
Let’s take it back in time.
A year ago, Ben Chilwell was reaching the conclusion of a Leicester campaign so impressive that Chelsea were soon to stump up close to £50m. Since, Thomas Tuchel’s arrival has seen a terribly timed resurgence of Marcos Alonso. 12 months back, Kieran Trippier has established himself as a regular at Atletico Madrid and still held favour with Gareth Southgate after his World Cup 2018 heroics. Well publicised off-field issues have not helped his Euro cause. If anyone seemed likely to challenge the pair, Ryan Sessegnon appeared primed to prove himself with a starting spot seemingly up for grabs at Spurs. He is now re-establishing himself at Hoffenheim. England-wise, out of sight, out of mind.
Meanwhile, two former childhood teammates have spent the 20/21 season setting up a potential summer reunion on the biggest stage. Targett’s development as a vital member of Villa’s stingy backline likely leaves him behind only the resurgent Luke Shaw in the pecking order. With only 2 months between their ages, the 25 year-old Southampton academy products seem to be reaching their primes at just the right time for their international futures.
Shaw holds the edge for the starting birth having played his way in to genuine contention for the player of the season awards at Old Trafford. His attacking threat has caught the eye of supporters, pundits and almost certainly Southgate himself. Should, though, his form slip, a familiar face will be ready and waiting.
Should Gareth Southgate need any further incentive to hand Targett a debut, his Scottish eligibility will not have been overlooked. He could, theoretically, line up on either side at Wembley come June 18th. All form and logic then points towards a call for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying triple-header. Villa’s next challenge lies at St James’ Park. If he excels again, a Three Lions debut would be fitting reward for Villa’s unassuming linchpin.
