Leeds United: Archie Gray worry shared by BBC pundit amid Manchester United comparison
Paul Robinson has warned England they must cap Leeds United youngster Archie Gray soon or potentially risk losing him to Scotland.
Gray’s form at Elland Road in his breakthrough campaign led to a first call up to the Three Lions’ Under-21s side last month.
The teenager marked the occasion with a goal and looks like a senior international in waiting, with Gareth Southgate recently namechecking him.
Archie Gray could represent England or Scotland
However, Gray also qualifies for Scotland, whom his dad and grandad represented during their playing days.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson told MOT Leeds News: “We forget how young he still actually is. But to be getting namechecked by the England manager already…
“I think he’s another one like Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo. They’re going to have to get him in the squad quickly and get him capped because of his international options and where else he can play.
“If you look at the Gray family name, I think most of them played for Scotland so it will be a case of capping him quickly. It’s only a matter of time before he gets that opportunity.”
Who is Archie Gray’s father?
Andy Gray – not to be mistaken by the Scottish pundit – also represented Leeds across a two decade playing career, as did Archie’s granddad Eddie Gray.
The latest member off the Gray production line had not made a senior appearance at club level just eight months ago, and yet here he is as a Leeds first-team regular and being touted for the England squad.
That goes to show just how incredible the 18-year-old has been this season, whether used in central midfield or more predominantly at right-back, where his future may now lie.
Leeds fans will not care all that much which country Gray decides to represent, although it does appear that he has already made his decision having represented England at various age levels.
Scoring for the U21s last month, days after being namechecked by Southgate as a future star, certainly did his chances of a senior cap no harm.
Gray will not be part of the Euro 2024 squad, of course, but there is no reason why he cannot earn himself a call-up before the end of the year.
In other Leeds United news, Borussia Monchengladbach’s sporting director has discussed the future of loanee Max Wober.
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